How a managed service for colon capsule endoscopy works in an overstretched healthcare system

Abstract

Lower gastrointestinal diagnostics have been facing significant capacity constraints, which the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated due to significant reductions in endoscopy procedures. Colon Capsule Endoscopy (CCE) provides a safe, viable solution to offset ongoing demand and could be a valuable tool for the recovery of endoscopy services post-COVID. NHS Scotland has already begun a country-wide rollout of CCE as a managed service, and NHS England have committed to a pilot scheme of 11,000 capsules via hospital-based delivery. Here, we outline a proven method of CCE delivery that ensures the CCE and results are delivered in an efficient, clinically robust manner with high patient acceptability levels through a managed service. Delivering CCE without a managed service is likely to be slower, more costly, and less effective, limiting the many benefits of CCE as an addition to the standard diagnostic pathway for bowel cancer.

Keywords:

• Diagnostic
• colorectal
• cancer
• post-COVID

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to thank Professor Angus J. M. Watson for his valuable expertise and leadership in the delivery of colon capsule endoscopy.

Disclosure statement

HW is a founding member and the director of CorporateHealth International, who has previously received a Highlands & Islands Enterprise and Innovate UK grant. LP and EW are employed by CorporateHealth International. AK is the director of iCERV Ltd and co-founder of AJM Medicaps Ltd. He has received a GivenImaging Ltd-ESGE grant, and material support for clinical research from SynMed/Intromedic. In the last ten years, he has received honoraria & lecture fees from Jinshan, Dr FalkPharma UK and Ferring. He is a consultant for Jinshan. He has also received educational travel support from Aquilant, Jinshan, Dr Falk Pharma, Almirall, Ferring, and has been in advisory board meetings for Tillots, Ankon, Dr Falk Pharma, UK.