Breezeway with directional signsHow Mobile Endoscopy Units Increase Patient Access

Mobile endoscopy units bring increased access to timely care for patients who need it, wherever they need it; whether by expanding a hospital’s capacity or traveling to meet patient needs in various communities.

The Increased Demand for Endoscopies

Endoscopic procedures have been becoming increasingly more common over the last two decades, and there is an estimate of over 20 million endoscopies performed annually. Endoscopy units are one major focus for Mobile Healthcare Facilities (MHCFAC), with the hopes of alleviating any concerns hospitals may have about patient access to these procedures. 

Why Patients Lack Timely Access to Endoscopies

According to The Society of Hospital Medicine in a 2024 report, “Access to interventional endoscopy expertise is often restricted to tertiary care centers and may not be available in rural or critical access hospitals.” This means that more individuals go to these tertiary care centers and therefore struggle to access timely care. Through the use of mobile units, this access can be expanded to a greater number of patients. 

South Shore Hospital Case Study

A growing population in a hospital’s surrounding area can also heighten the demand for endoscopies and other procedures. This was the case for the South Shore Hospital (formerly South Side Hospital) located in Bayshore New York, who responded to the area’s population increase by leasing facilities from MHCFAC. These facilities created the additional space needed for their hospital. They selected a mobile endoscopy procedure facility and a mobile endoscopy pre-op and recovery facility which both helped to meet their needs. 

What is inpatient endoscopy delay?

According to Danny Issa, MD, in a study in a tertiary care center looking into inpatient endoscopy delay (IED), patients seeking endoscopy procedures faced a common problem regarding access. 19.3% of patients who were studied experienced IEDs, and 24.4% of those IED cases were due to endoscopy unit unavailability. 

The Solution to Increase Endoscopy Access

Added space can provide a viable solution to hospitals requiring additional space to accommodate endoscopy patients. Mobile medical units specialized for a variety of endoscopic procedures can effectively provide this space and allow hospitals to thrive.