by
Sean Ruck, Contributing Editor | April 12, 2016
From the April 2016 issue of HealthCare Business News magazine
HCB News: What are the biggest challenges facing your members today?
LF: First and foremost, infection prevention/ infection control is the biggest challenge facing members. Our members want to provide the safest care possible to patients. It is imperative they understand all guidelines and practices to provide this care. The second big challenge facing our members is the need to do more with less. We all are facing greater demand on time, juggling the many hats we all wear, while working within budgets that are becoming more streamlined in our organizations.
HCB News: What items top the wish list for what members want from SGNA?
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LF: SGNA members look to us for resources: Infection prevention information, practice documents, continuing education, networking opportunities, contact hours, etc.
HCB News: Do you anticipate any big changes in the role SGNA plays in coming years?
LF: I think SGNA will continue to play a [growing] role in educating and supporting the GI nursing community.
HCB News: Are there any developments you’d like to discuss?
LF: SGNA is continuing to provide education and information on infection prevention. We want to make sure everyone receives [and understands] the recently released practice documents. Cited in the documents are the findings from SGNA Scholars, which had to do with scope storage. In partnership with SGNA regional societies, a road show educational offering will detail this study in greater depth. As a combination live and virtual event, SGNA is trying a new method of getting our members connected for an educational opportunity.
HCB News: What are your predictions for how the field of gastroenterology will change in the next 10 years?
LF: With the 80 percent by 2018 movement, I predict we will see an increase of people getting screened for colorectal cancer. As patients are becoming more informed and aware of how important preventive health is to their well-being, looking to proactive GI care is inevitable. I also think we will continue to see more innovation in our field, especially in the procedures themselves.
HCB News: Are there enough gastroenterology professionals working today? Is that trending up or down? Are there locations impacted more than others?
LF: I think that ensuring there is access to GI care, especially in rural areas, is where issues exist. As our population and baby boomers age, it will be important to prepare for the greater demand for GI care.
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