What’s Happening?
Rockhampton Hospital has launched a new service to improve access to gastrointestinal endoscopies using a nurse-administered sedation model. The innovative care method, EDNAPS (Endoscopist-Directed, Nurse-Administered Propofol Sedation), began in December 2024 and has already treated nearly 100 patients. Specially trained nurses now administer Propofol under the direction of an endoscopist.
Why It Matters?
This model ensures patients receive timely and safe procedures while allowing nurses to operate at full scope. It also frees up anaesthetists to handle more complex cases. With the national bowel cancer screening program expanding, the demand for endoscopy services is rising. EDNAPS helps meet that demand, enabling earlier detection and treatment.
Senior Surgical Nurse Trudy Tempest explained, “It means nurses are upskilled and able to work to their full scope of practice, it frees up specialist anaesthetists for more complex cases, and it means we can offer more endoscopy lists to ensure patients get timely care.”
Local Impact
Rockhampton residents now have faster access to essential procedures without needing to wait for an anaesthetist. This improvement could lead to earlier cancer diagnoses and better health outcomes in Central Queensland.
By the Numbers:
-
Almost 100 patients have received EDNAPS sedation since December 2024.
-
One doctor and three nurses are now enough to perform procedures.
-
Every patient reported positive experiences, with no pain and quick recovery.
Zoom In
Dr Andrew Scott, a Central Queensland Health Senior Medical Officer, brought his experience with the model from Cairns. He said, “Propofol sedation, when administered under the direction of an endoscopist, allows for the sedation to be tailored to the procedure and the individual patient’s needs.”
He added, “Propofol provides rapid sedation with a quicker recovery time compared to other sedatives. Patients feel more comfortable during the procedure and recover more quickly afterward.”
Zoom Out
As regional hospitals across Australia face increasing pressure from rising patient numbers and limited specialist availability, the EDNAPS model offers a scalable, effective solution. Rockhampton joins a growing list of hospitals adapting care delivery to better serve communities.
What To Look For Next?
Expect Rockhampton Hospital to expand the number of available endoscopy lists. With ongoing positive patient feedback and clinical efficiency, the EDNAPS model may be adopted more widely in Queensland hospitals.
