There are currently no mandatory criteria that independent endoscopists must meet to practice endoscopic procedures. There is however a professional obligation to practice endoscopy to acceptable GRS Standards and in the best interest of patients.

It is likely that, for doctors at least, re-validation will come into being, either via the GMC or another body, in the near future. The JAG are addressing the issue of re-validation within the QA of Individuals Working Group. At the current time, JAG are not recommending that independent endoscopists apply retrospectively for JAG Certification.

Individuals may wish to have a colleague observe and give formative feedback on their endoscopic performance from time to time, using the DOPS framework. These forms could then contribute to the appraisal folder as evidence of performance and endoscopic professional development, supplementing other performance data.

DOPs forms are currently available for Diagnostic Upper GI, Therapeutic Endoscopy, Colonoscopy/Flexible Sigmoidoscopy and ERCP. It is intended to develop and refine DOPs forms for other endoscopy modalities beginning in 2010.