CompletedNot Applicable

Single-use Versus Multiple-use Endoscopes in Gastroenterology

United Kingdom39 participantsStarted 2024-10-16

Plain-language summary

Gastroenterology is a branch of medicine that looks after people with problems in the gut (including the stomach and bowels) using an endoscope. An endoscope is a thin tube with a light and camera at the end, which is used to look inside bits of the body, for example the stomach, bile ducts (tubes that connect the liver and gallbladder to the bowel) or large bowel. Some have extra bits attached to take samples of tissue to look at under a microscope. These tubes are made mostly of plastic. Around 1.5 million endoscopies are performed each year in the UK. In the NHS, most endoscopes are re-usable and are used hundreds of times after cleaning and disinfection. They must be very carefully cleaned and disinfected to reduce the risk of passing on infections to other patients as well as the healthcare staff who use the equipment. If endoscopes are cleaned and disinfected properly, the risk of infection will be very low. However there have been reports of infections, which may be related to disinfection not being done properly. Disposable single-use endoscopes are now available, designed to reduce the risk of infection. These are thought to be just as good as re-usable endoscopes. However, if we switch to disposable endoscopes, it may increase the cost to the NHS. There will also be an effect on the environment from using limited resources to make endoscopes, and get rid of them by incineration (burning) or burial in landfill waste. The aim of this research is to provide evidence on the arguments for and against the use of single-use vs. multiple-use endoscopes in gastroenterology for NHS decision makers, especially regarding cost-effectiveness and effect on the environment. This will help the aim of the NHS in England to be "the world's first 'net zero' national health service.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: Patients * Over the age of 18 * Patient has been invited to an NHS endoscopic clinic to undertake an upper GI endoscope procedure, including diagnostic endoscopies and the less complex therapeutic endoscopy. * Patient is able to read and understand information provided * Patient has capacity to provide consent * Patient is able to participate in an interview. Staff * Over the age of 18 * Employed by the NHS * Working in relevant endoscopy unit - primary work involves the conduct of endoscopy and/or waste disposal services (decontamination or disposal). Exclusion Criteria: * Patient has received a lower GI endoscopy, e.g. colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy * Non-NHS service providers and receivers. (e.g., private diagnostic clinics)

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Qualitative Interview Study

Timeframe: 8 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07014033

SponsorUniversity Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2025-06-30

Results submitted2026-02-19

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal trials