Impact of open access endoscopy on early diagnosis, treatment and gastrointestinal radiology service.

The objective is to compare the endoscopic findings before and after initiation of open access and its effect on gastrointestinal radiology services. The data of endoscopic findings before open access endoscopy (July, 1989-June, 1992) and after open access endoscopy (July, 1992-June, 1995) was collected from the records of the endoscopy unit. Similarly, data of barium meals for the same periods was collected from the radiology department. An X2 test was used to compare the endoscopic findings before and after open access policy. It is found that open access endoscopy increased the workload in the endoscopy unit but at the same time reduced the number of gastrointestinal radiological procedures. It reduced the waiting period for endoscopy and this helped in making early diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatment.