Bowel cancer screening workforce survey: developing the endoscopy workforce for 2025 and beyond

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Public Health
• Healthcare Workforce Planning

Background:

• Bowel cancer screening (BCS) demand is projected to rise significantly.
• Current understanding of the workforce intentions for BCS is limited.
• The Joint Advisory Group on Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (JAG), British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG), and Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI) initiated the first BCS workforce survey.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the career intentions of endoscopists.
• To inform future workforce planning for the anticipated increase in BCS colonoscopy.
• To identify potential challenges and solutions for the BCS workforce.

Main Methods:

• A survey was developed by JAG, BSG, and ACPGBI.
• The survey was distributed to consultant, clinical, and trainee endoscopists from February to April 2020.
• Descriptive and comparative analyses were conducted, utilizing BCS data.

Main Results:

• 578 endoscopists responded to the survey.
• 38% of current screening consultants are considering leaving colonoscopy within 2-5 years, primarily due to retirement (58%) and pension issues (23%).
• An additional 155 colonoscopists are needed to meet increased demand and planned retirements, assuming current work patterns.

Conclusions:

• A substantial shortfall in screening colonoscopists is anticipated in the next 5-10 years.
• Factors contributing to the shortfall include an aging workforce and job plan pressures.
• Potential mitigations involve reviewing job plans, enhancing workforce resources, and supporting training and accreditation.