Results of the United Kingdoms first pilot study for nonmedical endoscopy practitioners

Spencer and Ready published the first description of nonmedically qualified endoscopists in 1977 [Dis Colon Rectum 1977; 20: 94]. Since then there has been an explosion of interest in this concept. Duthie et al. [Gut 1998; 43: 711] first described Nurse Endoscopy (NE) in the UK in 1998. In recent years, endoscopy services in England have been subject to review as a consequence of perceived inadequacies in service provision and delivery.

Increasing pressure on endoscopic services led the Modernisation Agency to commission a pilot study evaluating nontraditional individuals to practice flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS). A science graduate, basic grade nurse and nonclinical member of staff were successfully trained. As a result, a second pilot scheme was introduced, whereby nine nonmedically qualified individuals received education and training in FS. A curriculum was designed, developed and implemented to create an endoscopic practitioner (EP) who was both safe and competent to undertake FS. The student backgrounds included administration, health-care assistants, phlebotomist, junior doctor assistant and clinical physiologist.

In the context of academic achievement, prescribed learning outcomes were achieved at a rate of 93% (101 from 108) of success in first attempt at assessment. In terms of practical achievement, each student demonstrated competency in FS.

The curriculum designed provides a suitable framework to develop individuals with the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes required for safe, competent practice within FS. This indicates that the curriculum provides a broad range of learning, teaching and assessment strategies befitting to a range of individuals.