International Delphi Consensus Study on disposable single-use endoscopy: A path to clinical adoption

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Infectious Disease Control
• Medical Device Innovation

Background:

• Rising infection rates and inadequate surveillance challenge gastrointestinal endoscopy safety globally.
• Single-use endoscopes and accessories are proposed to enhance safety, but evidence on their indications and sustainability is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish best practice recommendations for the use of single-use endoscopes and accessories.
• To address the lack of data regarding the indications and sustainability of single-use endoscopy.

Main Methods:

• A modified Delphi process involving 62 international experts from 33 nations.
• Development and anonymous voting on consensus statements regarding single-use endoscopy and accessories.
• Systematic literature reviews and expert consensus to define recommendations.

Main Results:

• Seventeen consensus statements were reached across five categories: single-use accessories, clinical indications, technical factors, environmental impact, and financial implications.
• Recommendations cover usage in all patient populations, high-risk individuals, device protection, contamination control, performance, environmental sustainability, and healthcare economics.
• Specific focus on indications for high-risk patients, including those with multi-drug-resistant infections or compromised immune systems.

Conclusions:

• This initiative represents the first international effort to define clinical indications for single-use endoscopy and accessories.
• The findings provide a framework for future research and evidence-based implementation of single-use endoscopes in clinical practice.
• These recommendations aim to improve patient safety and guide the responsible adoption of new endoscopic technologies.