Behind the Scenes | Thursday, February 6, 2020
Behind the Scenes of the SGNA Core Curriculum
Betty McGinty, RN MSHSA CGRN CER
One of my favorite gifts received over the holiday season was a copy of the 2019 SGNA Gastroenterology Nursing: A Core Curriculum, 6th Edition. I am so honored to have been a part of this major professional project as a contributor for two chapters. The final published textbook is attractive, both externally and internally. This core curriculum by definition provides basic essential material for gastroenterology nursing. It is a companion resource that complements such practice documents as SGNA standards, guidelines, and position statements.
Page iv of the book reveals the process timeline for ensuring current material. Previous editions were published in five-year increments, providing the most up-to-date content. The key phrase is “up-to-date.” Evidence-based-research guides practice evaluation and may dictate practice change. Change in practice calls for change in guidance material, reflected in such publications as this textbook.
Review/Revision Process
The process began roughly two years ago. The electronic 2013 chapters were sent to me for review/revision, along with a due date to return a first draft to SGNA staff. I used current documents, published literature and current practice experiences to guide my revisions. A reviewer assigned to my chapters spent time doing the same, responding with questions, suggestions and general comments for consideration. The review processes were repeated for subsequent drafts prior to the final chapter submission for publication. Throughout the process, medical editors and staff conducted reviews and offered feedback as well.
Involving active SGNA members in the core preparation allows credibility and ownership of the text. It also brings a sense of pride for the contribution to the specialty.
Value of the Core Curriculum
The Core Curriculum provides the base for the practice of gastroenterology nursing. It is especially important to those practitioners new to the specialty. It is designed to be the foundation of practice, current at the time of publication. It is a valuable tool to use in preparation for certification.
Chapter 3 Brief Review of Infection Prevention (pages 25-39)
First of all, the title of the chapter has changed from “Infection Control” to “Infection Prevention,” to emphasize the updated intent for practitioners to work toward proactively preventing rather than controlling infections. The reader will take note that the sterilization section has been updated to reflect current literature and practice. The reprocessing section has been enhanced and updated. Unresolved issues requiring further study received updates to current state. The main point I learned in working with this chapter was that there has been much change since the previous edition was published. Infection prevention is one of the main active functions for the specialty and includes attention to prevention for the practitioner as well as for the patient.
Chapter 15 Brief Review Small Intestine (pages 173-194)
A change from the previous publication is that the chapter is more “readable,” with the sections of the various disorders (“risk factors,” “symptoms,” “diagnosis,” “complications,” and “treatment”) identified in bold print. There are updates in disease statistics as well as in management of various disorders. The reader will enjoy the updated treatment plans for Crohn’s disease as well as Celiac disease. I found researching and including such rare diseases as Whipple disease and Coccidiosis to be enlightening and interesting. While these disorders may not be encountered in practice, reference to these international diseases adds to the continuous learner’s knowledge base.
I trust you will secure your own copy of this core curriculum and reference it often in your practice.
Purchase “Gastroenterology Nursing: A Core Curriculum, 6th Edition” here.