Adenoma characteristics in the English Bowel Cancer Screening Programme

AIM

The English Bowel Cancer Screening Programme detects colorectal cancers and premalignant polyps in a faecal occult blood test-positive population. The aim of this work is to describe the detection rates and characteristics of adenomas within the programme, identify predictive factors influencing the presence or absence of carcinoma within adenomas and identify the factors predicting the presence of advanced colonic neoplasia in different colon segments.

METHOD

The Bowel Cancer Screening System was retrospectively searched for polyps detected during colonoscopies between June 2006 and June 2012, at which time a guaiac test was being used. Data on size, location and histological features were collected, and described. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine the significant factors influencing the development of carcinoma within an adenoma.

RESULTS

A total of 229 419 polyps were identified; after exclusions 136 973 adenomas from 58 334 patients were evaluated. Over half were in the rectum or sigmoid colon. Subcentimetre adenomas accounted for 69.8% of the total. The proportion of adenomas containing advanced histological features increased with increasing adenoma size up to 35 mm, then plateaued. A focus of carcinoma was found in 2282 (1.7%) adenomas, of which 95.6% were located distally. Carcinoma was identified even in diminutive adenomas (0.1%). The proportion of adenomas containing cancer was significantly higher in women than men (2.0% vs. 1.5%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This national, prospectively captured dataset adds robust information about histological features of adenomas that convey an increased risk for colorectal cancer, and identifies caecal adenomas, high-grade dysplasia, increasing adenoma size, distal location and female sex as independent risk factors associated with carcinoma.

Effects of a self-affirmation intervention on responses to bowel cancer screening information

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of two brief self-affirmation interventions, immediately prior to reading standard information about bowel cancer screening, on state anxiety, message acceptance and behavioural intention to screen for bowel cancer.

METHODS

242 adults aged 49 were randomised to one of two self-affirmation interventions (health or values) or one of two control conditions, before reading an NHS England bowel cancer screening leaflet. Participant friend and family history of bowel cancer, state anxiety, message acceptance, behavioural intention to screen, trait self-esteem and spontaneous self-affirmation were measured. Data were analysed using between-participants analysis of variance, planned contrasts and moderated regression.

RESULTS

No main effects of experimental condition on levels of state anxiety, message acceptance and behavioural intention were found. However, planned contrasts showed participants who self-affirmed about their health or values (conditions-collapsed) were significantly less anxious and reported significantly higher behavioural intentions compared to participants in the controls (conditions-collapsed). Irrespective of condition, higher levels of spontaneous self-affirmation and trait self-esteem were correlated with lower anxiety, higher intentions, and message acceptance.

CONCLUSION

There was some evidence of the effect of health-based self-affirmation on lowering anxiety; however, further research is needed to explore the effectiveness of different self-affirmation interventions in larger samples.

Educational interventions to improve bowel cancer awareness and screening in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries: A scoping review

Objectives

Summarise theory informed educational interventions for improving bowel cancer awareness and screening.

Methods

A search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and CINAHL. English studies from 2016 to 2022 which implemented community-based bowel cancer awareness and/or screening education interventions for adults in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries were included.

Results

Sixty-two studies were included, 32 measured both screening and awareness (24 measured screening only, 6 measured awareness only). Education interventions were grouped and summarised in five education types: lay community health education/counselling (n = 28), education material (n = 5), health professional education/counselling (n = 10), mass media (n = 5) and other (n = 19). Other included education interventions which did not fit into the four types previously mentioned. Six studies tested more than one education type. Each type within these studies were reported/summarised separately within the appropriate education type. Lay educators resulted in improved awareness and screening. Brochures were effective education materials for screening and combined with lay educators resulted in increased awareness. State-wide mass media campaigns significantly improved screening uptake for up to 2-months post-campaign. Fear and loss-framed messaging improved screening intentions compared to humour or gain-based messaging. Decision aids had limited improvements in awareness. Facebook campaign and telephone counselling had limited improvements in screening.

Conclusions

Lay community health educators, brochures, and mass media campaigns occurring multiple times a year may be effective interventions in improving screening and/or awareness. Such approaches should be considered when developing community education. Education interventions should include multiple components suggested above to maximise improvements of awareness and screening.

Spatial variability in socio-demographic factors affecting participation in the Australian national bowel cancer screening program

Objectives

The objective of this paper is to analyse the socio-demographic and spatial patterns associated with bowel cancer screening in Australia. Despite the importance of screening in reducing mortality via early intervention, it remains the case that overall screening rates are uneven between different socio-demographic groups and geographic regions. Notwithstanding this, there is limited knowledge in Australia regarding the interplay between socio-demographics and geography in relation to bowel cancer screening. Thus, this paper explores the socio-demographic and spatial patterns of screening participation across Australian regions to better inform public health policy and programs.

Study design

This is a nationwide ecological study based on aggregate spatial data.

Methods

An ecological study is conducted using bowel cancer screening rates and selected socio-demographic data measured at the Statistical Area 3 level. Geographically weighted regression software is used to conduct global and spatial regression analysis.

Results

The global regression results show that higher rates of screening participation were associated with employment/education disengagement and volunteering while in contrast, lower rates of participation were associated with higher rates of indigenous populations, people with chronic health conditions, and people with poor English skills. Considering the spatial analysis, the analysis shows that once the spatial non-stationarity in the data is considered the influence of the variables shown to be significant in the global model, has significant spatial variability.

Conclusion

From a public health perspective, addressing shortfalls in bowel cancer screening participation is an important priority. In order to understand differences in participation rates it is important to consider both socio-demographic factors as well as the geographic or spatial distribution of these factors.

Improving colorectal cancer screening - consumer-centred technological interventions to enhance engagement and participation amongst diverse cohorts

The current "Gold Standard" colorectal cancer (CRC) screening approach of faecal occult blood test (FOBT) with follow-up colonoscopy has been shown to significantly improve morbidity and mortality, by enabling the early detection of disease. However, its efficacy is predicated on high levels of population participation in screening. Several international studies have shown continued low rates of screening participation, especially amongst highly vulnerable lower socio-economic cohorts, with minimal improvement using current recruitment strategies. Research suggests that a complex of dynamic factors (patient, clinician, and the broader health system) contribute to low citizen engagement. This paper argues that the challenges of screening participation can be better addressed by (1) developing dynamic multifaceted technological interventions collaboratively across stakeholders using human-centered design; (2) integrating consumer-centred artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to maximise ease of use for CRC screening; and (3) tailored strategies that maximise population screening engagement, especially amongst the most vulnerable.

Rectal Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: Why Is There a Global Variation?

Purpose of Review

This review examines the variation in incidence of rectal neuroendocrine tumours across the globe. Rectal neuroendocrine tumours are a common type of gastrointestinal NET with an increasing incidence reported over the last 30 years.

Recent Findings

There have been a number of publications examining the epidemiology of neuroendocrine tumours across the world. These have utilized a variety of different methodologies to examine both incidence of prevalence of NETs. We review the data published and describe any causative factors and findings regarding the epidemiology of rectal NETs.

Summary

Rectal NETs account for 1–2% of all rectal cancers and are commonly diagnosed between 50–60 years of age. Most lesions are identified by chance at colonoscopy, commonly during colon cancer screening procedures, which is reflected in part in the age at diagnosis. Most lesions are small in size, < 10 mm and can be managed with endoscopic resection rather than requiring surgery. The highest incidence is reported in people of Asian ethnicity, with a tenfold increased incidence reported in some series compared with white population. There is also an increased incidence in Black and Hispanic population as identified through the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. Endoscopic assessment of lesions is variable globally. Future work to better understand the cause of ethnic variation and development of comprehensive cancer registries would be helpful.

"I'm not doing that." An in-depth examination of nonparticipation in mail-out bowel cancer screening programs

Despite a clear association between the early detection of bowel cancer and increased survival, participation in mail-out screening programs is poor. Several key barriers to participation have been identified, yet research has failed to examine the specific cognitions, actions, and individual contexts from which barriers emerge. The purpose of the current study was to gain a detailed understanding of the actual experience of kit receipt from the perspective of nonparticipants including their opinion on interventions that may be effective in promoting participation. Demographic differences in reasons for nonparticipation are also examined. Opt-out data from a national program was analyzed to detect demographic differences in reasons for nonparticipation. Qualitative interviews were conducted in a sample of "at risk" nonparticipants. Thematic analysis was conducted using an inductive phenomenological approach. Older, higher SES, male and previously screened participants were more likely to provide a medical reason for opting out of participation. Four key themes emerged from interview data. The first reflected intention; whereby participants were either intenders (i.e., they planned to participate) or refusers. Subsequent themes reflected practicalities, emotional reactions, and necessity. Differences between intenders and refusers within these themes as well as opinions regarding interventions were identified. Interventions involving interactions with health professionals, autonomous decision making, and those which emphasize the positive outcomes of screening may encourage refusers to participate in mail-out bowel cancer screening programs. Messages that reinforce the importance of screening or provide a practical reminder may be more useful for intenders.

Cluster randomized controlled trial of volitional and motivational interventions to improve bowel cancer screening uptake: A population-level study

OBJECTIVES

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer death worldwide, although effective uptake of bowel cancer screening is below 60% in England. This trial investigated the influence of volitional and motivational interventions and their combination on increasing guaiac fecal occult blood testing (gFOBT) screening uptake.

METHOD

In total, 34,633 participants were recruited (via North-East of England bowel cancer screening hub) into a 2×2 factorial cluster randomized controlled trial. Social norm-based motivational intervention (SNA); Implementation intention-based Volitional Help Sheet (VHS); Combined intervention (SNA+VHS); Treatment as usual control. Screening rate (gFOBT kit return rate within 8 weeks of invitation) was the primary outcome.

RESULTS

Screening kits were returned by 60% of participants (N=20,847/34,633). A substantial imbalance was observed in participant characteristics, participants in the combined intervention group were younger and more likely to be first time invitees. Adjusted analyses found insufficient evidence that any of the interventions were different to control (Combined: OR = 1.18, 95% CI 0.97-1.44; SNA alone: OR=0.93; 95% CI: 0.76-1.15; VHS alone OR= 0.88; 95% CI: 0.75-1.03). Subgroup analyses demonstrated a significant beneficial effect of the combined intervention in the youngest age group compared to control (OR = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.05-1.54).

CONCLUSIONS

The study did not support any benefit of either VHS or SNA interventions alone on bowel cancer screening uptake. The combined SNA+VHS intervention was significantly different from control only in the youngest age group in adjusted analyses. However, the magnitude of effect in the youngest age group suggests that further testing of VHS plus SNA interventions in carefully targeted populations may be warranted.

Strategies for increasing participation in mail-out colorectal cancer screening programs: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Population mail-out bowel screening programs are a convenient, cost-effective and sensitive method of detecting colorectal cancer (CRC). Despite the increased survival rates associated with early detection of CRC, in many countries, 50% or more of eligible individuals do not participate in such programs. The current study systematically reviews interventions applied to increase fecal occult blood test (FOBT) kit return, specifically in population mail-out programs.

METHODS

Five electronic databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, CINAHL, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses) were searched for articles published before the 10th of March 2018. Studies were included if they reported the results of an intervention designed to increase the return rate of FOBT kits that had been mailed to individuals' homes. PRISMA systematic review reporting methods were applied and each study was assessed using Cochrane's Risk of Bias tool. Pooled effect sizes were calculated for each intervention type and the risk of bias was tested as a moderator for sensitivity analysis.

RESULTS

The review identified 53 interventions from 30 published studies from which nine distinct intervention strategy types emerged. Sensitivity analysis showed that the risk of bias marginally moderated the overall effect size. Pooled risk ratios and confidence intervals for each intervention type revealed that telephone contact RR = 1.23, 95% CI (1.08-1.40), GP endorsement RR = 1.19, 95% CI (1.10-1.29), simplified test procedures RR = 1.17, 95% CI (1.09-1.25), and advance notifications RR = 1.09, 95% CI (1.07-1.11) were effective intervention strategies with small to moderate effect sizes. Studies with a high risk of bias were removed and pooled effects remained relatively unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS

Interventions that combine program-level changes incorporating the issue of advance notification and alternative screening tools with the involvement of primary health professionals through endorsement letters and telephone contact should lead to increases in kit return in mail-out CRC screening programs.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

This review is registered with PROSPERO; registration number CRD42017064652.

A targeted promotional DVD fails to improve Māori and Pacific participation rates in the New Zealand bowel screening pilot: results from a pseudo-randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

New Zealand's Bowel Screening Pilot (BSP) used a mailed invitation to return a faecal immunochemical test. As a pilot it offered opportunities to test interventions for reducing ethnic inequities in colorectal cancer screening prior to nationwide programme introduction. Small media interventions (e.g. educational material and DVDs) have been used at both community and participant level to improve uptake. We tested whether a DVD originally produced to raise community awareness among the Māori population would have a positive impact on participation and reduce the proportion of incorrectly performed tests (spoiled kits) if mailed out with the usual reminder letter.

METHODS

The study was a parallel groups pseudo-randomised controlled trial. Over 12 months, all Māori and Pacific ethnicity non-responders four weeks after being mailed the test kit were allocated on alternate weeks to be sent, or not, the DVD intervention with the usual reminder letter. The objective was to determine changes in participation and spoiled kit rates in each ethnic group, determined three months from the date the reminder letter was sent. Participants and those recording the outcomes (receipt of a spoiled or non-spoiled test kit) were blinded to group assignment.

RESULTS

2333 Māori and 2938 Pacific people participated (11 withdrew). Those who were sent the DVD (1029 Māori and 1359 Pacific) were less likely to participate in screening than those who were not (1304 Māori and 1579 Pacific). Screening participation was reduced by 12.3% (95% CI 9.1-15.5%) in Māori (13.6% versus 25.9%) and 8.3% (95% CI 5.8-10.8%) in Pacific (10.1% versus 18.4%). However, spoiled kit rates (first return) were significantly higher among those not sent the DVD (33.1% versus 12.4% in Māori and 42.1% versus 21.9% in Pacific).

CONCLUSION

The DVD sent with the reminder letter to BSP non-responders reduced screening participation to an extent that more than offset the lower rate of spoiled kits.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12612001259831 . Registered 30 November 2013.

Predicting systemic spread in early colorectal cancer: Can we do better?

Through the implementation of national bowel cancer screening programmes we have seen a three-fold increase in early pT1 colorectal cancers, but how these lesions should be managed is currently unclear. Local excision can be an attractive option, especially for fragile patients with multiple comorbidities, but it is only safe from an oncological point of view in the absence of lymph node metastasis. Patient risk stratification through careful analysis of histopathological features in local excision or polypectomy specimens should be performed according to national guidelines to avoid under- or over-treatment. Currently national guidelines vary in their recommendations as to which factors should be routinely reported and there is no established multivariate risk stratification model to determine which patients should be offered major resectional surgery. Conventional histopathological parameters such as tumour grading or lymphovascular invasion have been shown to be predictive of lymph node metastasis in a number of studies but the inter- and intra-observer variation in reporting is high. Newer parameters including tumour budding and poorly differentiated clusters have been shown to have great potential, but again some improvement in the inter-observer variation is required. With the implementation of digital pathology into clinical practice, quantitative parameters like depth/area of submucosal invasion and proportion of stroma can be routinely assessed. In this review we present the various histopathological risk factors for predicting systemic spread in pT1 colorectal cancer and introduce potential novel quantitative variables and multivariable risk models that could be used to better define the optimal treatment of this increasingly common disease.

Colorectal cancer and adenoma screening using urinary volatile organic compound (VOC) detection: early results from a single-centre bowel screening population (UK BCSP)

Background

The United Kingdom (UK) bowel cancer screening programme has reduced mortality from colorectal cancer (CRC), but poor uptake with stool-based tests and lack of specificity of faecal occult blood testing (FOBT), has prompted investigation for a more suitable screening test. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of a urinary volatile organic compounds (VOC)-based screening tool for CRC.

Methods

The urine from FOBT-positive patients was analysed using field asymmetric ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) and gas chromatography coupled with ion mobility spectrometry (GC–IMS). Data were analysed using a machine learning algorithm to calculate the test accuracy for correct classification of CRC against adenomas and other gastrointestinal pathology.

Results

One hundred and sixty-three patients were enrolled in the study. Test accuracy was high for differentiating CRC from control: area under the curve (AUC) 0.98 (95% CI 0.93–1) and 0.82 (95% CI 0.67–0.97) using FAIMS and GC–IMS respectively. Correct classification of CRC from adenoma was high with AUC range 0.83–0.92 (95% CI 0.43–1.0). Classification of adenoma from control was poor with AUC range 0.54–0.61 (95% CI 0.47–0.75) using both analytical modalities.

Conclusions

CRC was correctly distinguished from adenomas or no bowel pathology using urinary VOC markers, within the bowel screening population. This pilot study demonstrates the potential of this method for CRC detection, with higher test uptake and superior sensitivity than FOBT. In addition, this is the first application of GC–IMS in CRC detection which has shown high test accuracy and usability.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s10151-019-01963-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Association of ten gastrointestinal and other medical conditions with positivity to faecal occult blood testing in routine screening: a large prospective study of women in England

BACKGROUND

In 2006, the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (BCSP) in England began offering biennial faecal occult blood testing (FOBt) at ages 60-69 years. Although FOBt is aimed at detecting colorectal neoplasms, other conditions can affect the result. In a large UK prospective study, we examined associations, both before and after screening, between FOBt positivity and 10 conditions that are often associated with gastrointestinal bleeding.

METHODS

By electronically linking BCSP and Million Women Study records, we identified 604 495 women without previous colorectal cancer who participated in their first routine FOBt screening between 2006 and 2012. Regression models, using linked national hospital admission records, yielded adjusted relative risks (RRs) in FOBt-positive versus FOBt-negative women for colorectal cancer, adenoma, diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, haemorrhoids, upper gastrointestinal cancer, oesophagitis, peptic ulcer, anaemia and other haematological disorders.

RESULTS

RRs in FOBt-positive versus FOBt-negative women were 201.3 (95% CI 173.8-233.2) for colorectal cancer and 197.9 (95% CI 180.6-216.8) for adenoma within 12 months after screening and 3.49 (95% CI 2.31-5.26) and 4.88 (95% CI 3.80-6.26), respectively, 12-24 months after screening; P < 0.001 for all RRs. In the 12 months after screening, the RR for inflammatory bowel disease was 26.3 (95% CI 19.9-34.7), and ranged between 2 and 5 for the upper gastrointestinal or haematological disorders. The RRs of being diagnosed with any of the eight conditions other than colorectal neoplasms before screening, and in the 12-24 months after screening, were 1.81 (95% CI 1.81-2.01) and 1.92 (95% CI 1.66-2.13), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Whereas FOBt positivity is associated with a substantially increased risk of colorectal neoplasms after screening, eight other gastrointestinal and haematological conditions are also associated with FOBt positivity, both before and after screening.

Optimal Management of a Synchronous Diagnosis of Phaeochromocytoma and Colorectal Neoplasia

The incidence rates of phaeochromocytoma and colorectal cancer (CRC) are approximately 1 and 65 per 100,000 per year, respectively. Simultaneous presentation of these conditions is rare and poses unique management challenges. We report on treatment strategies and clinical outcomes in a series of patients with colorectal neoplasia and phaeochromocytoma. Demographic and clinical details of four patients over a 4-year period were reviewed. The median (range) age at first presentation was 66 (52-70) years. Phaeochromocytoma (2.5-12.5 cm) was confirmed on biochemistry after incidental detection of an adrenal mass on CT scan-three had CT for staging of CRC and one had CT scan for weight loss. Adrenalectomy (three retroperitoneoscopic and one open procedure) was first performed after maximally tolerated alpha blockade; no significant complications were observed. Normalisation of biochemistry was confirmed and the patients then underwent colorectal surgery-laparoscopic right hemicolectomy, open right hemicolectomy (with further extensive surgery) for locally advanced cancer, laparoscopic low anterior resection and open high anterior resection. One respiratory infection and a seroma were the post-operative complications seen. In patients with a simultaneous diagnosis of phaeochromocytoma and CRC, surgical interventions should be staged. Adrenalectomy should first be performed to avoid haemodynamic instability during colorectal resection. A retroperitoneoscopic approach to the adrenal in patients with ipsilateral colonic tumours avoids transgressing the planes for colorectal resection. The synchronous diagnosis of these two rare conditions and the reported stimulatory effect of catecholamines on colorectal epithelia raise the possibility of an increased incidence of colorectal neoplasia in patients with phaeochromocytoma.

Faecal occult blood testing screening for colorectal cancer and 'missed' interval cancers: are we ignoring the elephant in the room? Results of a multicentre study

AIM

Biennial faecal occult blood testing (FOBT) is used to screen for colorectal cancer throughout the UK. Interval cancers are tumours that develop in patients between screening rounds who have had a negative FOBT. Through a multicentre study, we compared the demographics of patients with interval cancers, FOBT screen detected cancers and cancers that developed in patients who chose not to participate in the screening programme.

METHOD

Five hundred and sixteen colorectal cancers were detected in the screening age group (60-74 years) population in three UK National Health Service hospitals over 2 years. One hundred and twenty seven (25%) were interval cancers, 161 (31%) were screen detected and 228 (44%) were cancers that developed in patients who had declined FOBT. The interval cancer group had a higher incidence of right-sided cancers (38% vs 29% and 24%), a higher proportion of high tumour stages (Dukes C and D) (70% vs 53% and 33%) and a shorter time from diagnosis to death (10 months vs 13 months and 24 months) compared to patients who had declined the FOBT and the FOBT screen detected cancers. Of all the patients studied, those with right-sided interval cancers had the worst outcome.

CONCLUSION

A quarter of the colorectal cancers diagnosed in our study were interval cancers. Patients with right-sided interval cancers had the highest proportion of Dukes C and D tumours coupled with the shortest survival time after diagnosis compared with the other groups.

The CRISP colorectal cancer risk prediction tool: an exploratory study using simulated consultations in Australian primary care

Background

In Australia, screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) with colonoscopy is meant to be reserved for people at increased risk, however, currently there is a mismatch between individuals’ risk of CRC and the type of CRC screening they receive.

This paper describes the development and optimisation of a Colorectal cancer RISk Prediction tool (‘CRISP’) for use in primary care. The aim of the CRISP tool is to increase risk-appropriate CRC screening.

Methods

CRISP development was informed by previous experience with developing risk tools for use in primary care and a systematic review of the evidence. A CRISP prototype was used in simulated consultations by general practitioners (GPs) with actors as patients. GPs were interviewed to explore their experience of using CRISP, and practice nurses (PNs) and practice managers (PMs) were interviewed after a demonstration of CRISP. Transcribed interviews and video footage of the ‘consultations’ were qualitatively analyzed. Themes arising from the data were mapped onto Normalization Process Theory (NPT).

Results

Fourteen GPs, nine PNs and six PMs were recruited from 12 clinics. Results were described using the four constructs of NPT: 1) Coherence: Clinicians understood the rationale behind CRISP, particularly since they were familiar with using risk tools for other conditions; 2) Cognitive participation: GPs welcomed the opportunity CRISP provided to discuss healthy and unhealthy behaviors with their patients, but many GPs challenged the screening recommendation generated by CRISP; 3) Collective Action: CRISP disrupted clinician-patient flow if the GP was less comfortable with computers. GP consultation time was a major implementation barrier and overall consensus was that PNs have more capacity and time to use CRISP effectively; 4) Reflexive monitoring: Limited systematic monitoring of new interventions is a potential barrier to the sustainable embedding of CRISP.

Conclusions

CRISP has the potential to improve risk-appropriate CRC screening in primary care but was considered more likely to be successfully implemented as a nurse-led intervention.

Endoscopic non-technical skills team training: The next step in quality assurance of endoscopy training

AIM: To investigate whether novel, non-technical skills training for Bowel Cancer Screening (BCS) endoscopy teams enhanced patient safety knowledge and attitudes.

METHODS: A novel endoscopy team training intervention for BCS teams was developed and evaluated as a pre-post intervention study. Four multi-disciplinary BCS teams constituting BCS endoscopist(s), specialist screening practitioners, endoscopy nurses and administrative staff (A) from English BCS training centres participated. No patients were involved in this study. Expert multidisciplinary faculty delivered a single day’s training utilising real clinical examples. Pre and post-course evaluation comprised participants’ patient safety awareness, attitudes, and knowledge. Global course evaluations were also collected.

RESULTS: Twenty-three participants attended and their patient safety knowledge improved significantly from 43%-55% (P≤ 0.001) following the training intervention. 12/41 (29%) of the safety attitudes items significantly improved in the areas of perceived patient safety knowledge and awareness. The remaining safety attitude items: perceived influence on patient safety, attitudes towards error management, error management actions and personal views following an error were unchanged following training. Both qualitative and quantitative global course evaluations were positive: 21/23 (91%) participants strongly agreed/agreed that they were satisfied with the course. Qualitative evaluation included mandating such training for endoscopy teams outside BCS and incorporating team training within wider endoscopy training. Limitations of the study include no measure of increased patient safety in clinical practice following training.

CONCLUSION: A novel comprehensive training package addressing patient safety, non-technical skills and adverse event analysis was successful in improving multi-disciplinary teams’ knowledge and safety attitudes.

High resolution colonoscopy in a bowel cancer screening program improves polyp detection

AIM: To compare high resolution colonoscopy (Olympus Lucera) with a megapixel high resolution system (Pentax HiLine) as an in-service evaluation.

METHODS: Polyp detection rates and measures of performance were collected for 269 colonoscopy procedures. Five colonoscopists conducted the study over a three month period, as part of the United Kingdom bowel cancer screening program.

RESULTS: There were no differences in procedure duration (χ² P = 0.98), caecal intubation rates (χ² P = 0.67), or depth of sedation (χ² P = 0.64). Mild discomfort was more common in the Pentax group (χ² P = 0.036). Adenoma detection rate was significantly higher in the Pentax group (χ² test for trend P = 0.01). Most of the extra polyps detected were flat or sessile adenomas.

CONCLUSION: Megapixel definition colonoscopes improve adenoma detection without compromising other measures of endoscope performance. Increased polyp detection rates may improve future outcomes in bowel cancer screening programs.