WP1: Review of evidence on technical performance, test accuracy and infection risk of single-use vs multiple-use gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopes, and of literature for other work packages.
WP2: Assess costs and consequences arising from use of single-use endoscopes compared to multiple-use ones. We will include specific patient groups (e.g., immunocompromised, those with severe infections) and settings (e.g., intensive care unit) taking into account all factors - costs of purchase, decontamination, consequences of infections etc.
WP3: Assess the wider environmental consequences of a shift to single-use endoscopes including impact on scarce resources for their production and effect of disposal, including landfill and incineration, and the greenhouse gases and waste generated (including transport and storage).
WP4: Explore the views of patients receiving endoscopy and staff involved in using, cleaning and decontaminating endoscopes.
WP5: Provide evidence for patients, health professionals, service commissioners, manufacturers, environmental management and policy makers to make decisions on single-use and multiple-use endoscopes.