Probe-confocal laser endomicroscopy: implications for nursing care

With the introduction of probe-confocal laser endomicroscopy (p-CLE), some changes in the patient-care setting are required to maintain high standards of patient safety in endoscopy units. This study focuses on planning for the procedure, patient care, and risk management. After reviewing the literature on this subject, the authors investigate the technical equipment, coordination of a multifunctional team, adequate planning of endoscopic activities, and the introduction of a checklist. As a result of this study, longer procedure times for the preparation of equipment, contrast dye, and drugs were established, as well as the need for patient inter-procedural inter-monitoring; patient identification; monitoring of heartbeat, blood pressure, and oxygen before, during, and after the procedure. Sixty-three patients with gastrointestinal cancer were examined and 14 local adverse events reported. The use of a contrast dye intravenously administered led to the planning of assessments and intraprocedural observations for the correct management of possible side effects, such as anaphylactic shock. Thus, the introduction of p-CLE has a significant effect on the role of the endoscopy nurse both in patient care and in the preparation for the procedure.