520
Detailed Needs and Requirements: Gastroenterology Unit
528
GASTROENTEROLOGY UNIT
528.1
USER NEEDS
The extent of the services offered by the gastroenterology unit will be
determined by the V.A. Central Office in conjunction with the staff of the
individual facility.
Two basic service patterns are currently being followed.
1. The gastroenterology unit may provide diagnostic and consultative
service only. Gastroenterology patients would be assigned to general
medical wards.
2. The gastroenterology unit may include diagnostic facilities and a
closely related ward for the care of gastroenterology patients.
The following discussion is limited to the first service pattern, that is, the
gastroenterology unit as a diagnostic and consultative service. The
requirements for gastroenterology patient care areas are essentially the
same as those for general medical wards and need not be duplicated.
The major distinguishing requirement for a gastroenterology ward is a
need for close proximity to gastroenterology diagnostic facilities. These
facilities are identical for both types of unit and are discussed in the
following narrative.
528.1.1
Objectives
The gastroenterology section in V.A. hospitals provides diagnosis and
treatment for diseases of the esophagus, stomach, intestine, and related
organs, e.g., liver, gall bladder. The most common gastroenterological
diseases encountered are ulcers and colitis.
The diagnostic procedures on the gastroenterology unit fall into four
general categories.
1. Sample collection and analysis, e.g., secretary studies, biliary studies,
stool analysis, and blood determinations.
2. Direct examination of patients, e.g., endoscopy, sigmoidoscopy,
gastroscopy.
3. Fluoroscopic and radiographic examinations of the gastrointestinal
system.
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