8Mechanics of quality assurance - Now and in the future

Quality assurance work requires acquisition of valid data, as well as mechanisms for enforcing quality criteria, detecting (non-)adherence to these criteria, and for improving inadequate performance. This chapter deals primarily with the various tools available to acquire information at the various steps of the patient journey. Different challenges arise in the prehospital phase, in the endoscopy room, and in the follow-up phase. The endoscopy report is a vital tool for much of the quality work, but other adjoining systems may be equally important to ensure completeness of the dataset required to ensure the requested quality. Future development is discussed briefly, since many of the present challenges may be solved with improved mechanics.