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Population screening programs involve the assessment of asymptomatic populations, by tests, examinations or procedures which vary in their invasiveness and associated risks. Therefore quality needs to be measured throughout all aspects of the screening pathway to ensure that screening programs provide high quality participant-centred services. Continuous quality improvement seeks to improve quality by evaluating the program services and processes in order to develop strategies to improve service delivery.
The Program ensures high quality through:
The Quality Management Plan outlines the standards to be achieved by the Program and the framework for measuring the standards against performance which will contribute to the continuous quality improvement of the Program.
The objectives of the Quality Management Plan are to:
To ensure that the highest standard of service delivery is provided to participants, Queensland Health established an authorised provider model for the provision of assessment colonoscopies in the public sector.
The authorised provider model includes:
Only Queensland Health facilities with reported capacity to provide additional services for the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program are identified as designated facilities so as to minimise the impact of the Program on existing services. Within each designated facility, specific proceduralists are identified as authorised providers for the Program. Both facilities and proceduralists are required to demonstrate compliance with national and international quality requirements.
Authorised providers are proceduralists performing assessment colonoscopy for the QBCSP. Only proceduralists who meet predetermined quality indicators are considered for authorisation as a provider for the QBCSP.
The authorised provider model coordinated by the State Coordination Unit and a network of 12 GE Nurse Coordinators and 11 Health Promotion Officers, all work to ensure access to timely, high quality services for participants of the Program.
Assessment colonoscopies are provided by authorised providers with Conjoint Committee Recognition of Training in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy who have demonstrated they meet quality standards set by the Program and documented in the QBCSP Quality Management Plan. All authorised providers must participate in quality assurance activities and continue to meet high standards and other defined quality assurance indicators (a list of these quality assurance indicators can be obtained by contacting the QBCSP email bowelcancerscreening@health.qld.gov.au).
The Program welcomes applications from facilities and proceduralists who are able to meet the high quality standard requirements of the Program. The application process to become a service provider for the Program is two-fold and requires:
Currently there are 27 designated Queensland Health facilities, three designated private hospitals (under contract to Queensland Health); and approximately 43 authorised providers for the Program.
Becoming an Authorised Provider
Suitably qualified proceduralists with Conjoint Committee Recognition of Training in Gastroenterology Endoscopy are eligible to become authorised providers for the Program. A set of quality standard requirements govern the process authorisation. Proceduralists who would like to apply to be an authorised provider must complete an Authorised Provider Application. Applicants who currently work within approved designated facilities are only required to complete the Authorised Provider Application. However, if the workplace in which the procedures will be performed has not been approved as a designated facility, a Designated Facility Application must accompany the Authorised Provider Application.
Becoming a Designated Facility
Facilities wishing to provide colonoscopy services for the Program are also required to meet a set of quality standard requirements and must complete the Designated Facility Application Form. Facilities must comply with GESA Standards for Endoscopic Facilities and Services (1998 or most updated version) for staffing and the physical environment, as well as other standards relating to infection control, sedation and pre- and post-colonoscopy care.
To apply to become a designated facility and/or authorised provider please contact the QBCSP (email bowelcancerscreening@health.qld.gov.au) for an application form. All applications are reviewed by an independent expert panel. Applicants will be notified within 4 – 6 weeks of receiving their application. All applications remain confidential and feedback will be provided upon request.
