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

Scand J Gastroenterol. 2022 Mar;57(3):359-363. doi: 10.1080/00365521.2021.2006299. Epub 2021 Dec 2.

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; cancer; colorectal; post-COVID.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Capsule Endoscopy* / methods
  • Colonoscopy / methods
  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Delivery of Health Care
  • Humans
  • Pandemics
  • SARS-CoV-2