Qualitative study on a novel disposable endoscope (The Bellowscope)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Patient and End User’s (GP) attitudes, acceptability and perceptions on a novel single-use, disposable upper endoscope (The Bellowscope) for upper gastro-intestinal screening in the community
IRAS ID
306256
Contact name
Venkat Subramanian
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 28 days
Research summary
Upper gastrointestinal cancer remains a significant global health concern. Gastric carcinoma represents the 4th most common malignancy worldwide whilst oesophageal cancer was the 7th most common cancer worldwide in 2018. When diagnosis is delayed, lesions are typically at the advanced stage of disease with resulting poor prognosis and considerable morbidity.
Early detection and management of upper gastrointestinal pathologies is thus desirable. However, access to a diagnostic gastroscopy is limited by several factors including: 1) the need for trained personnel, 2) high equipment costs, 3) the requirement of specialised facilities and 4) increasing waiting times.
We aim to commence a First in Human trial of a novel disposable upper endoscope (The Bellowscope) in 2022. This novel device is envisioned to provide an effective and suitable triage system to screen for upper gastrointestinal pathologies in the community thereby easing pressures on existing systems whilst enabling early detection of pathologies. As part of the projects’ patient and end-user involvement (General Practitioners) we seek to perform a mixed methodology inductive type research exploring attitudes, acceptability and perceptions of this novel device for upper gastro-intestinal screening in the community.The study will follow an exploratory mixed methodology format with two parallel work-streams for patients and General Practitioners (GP). Each work-stream will consist of focus groups (2 for each patients and GPs), followed by 20 GP and patient in-depth interviews, then an online questionnaire. Each stage will be thematically analysed to form the semi-structured questions for the next stage. Focus groups will be performed in groups of 6-10 participants, and both interview and focus groups will be performed via video/teleconferencing.
The study periods is January 2022 to December 2022.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Bradford Leeds Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/YH/0010
Date of REC Opinion
16 Feb 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion