The effect of ScopeGuide on the mental workload of endoscopist
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The effect of magnetic endoscopic imaging (ScopeGuide) on the mental workload of endoscopists during colonoscopy
IRAS ID
143378
Contact name
Imdadur Rahman
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Hospital Southampton
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Research summary
ScopeGuide (Magnetic endoscopic imaging) is a device used during some colonoscopies(a routinely used examination of the large bowel with a tube containing a camera). ScopeGuide provides a real-time 3D image of the shape and configuration of the colonoscope as it travels through the colon. Whilst it is being used in clinical practice in some endoscopy units throughout the UK, including University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust, it is not routinely used in all colonoscopy lists, in part due to a lack of availability. Studies have shown it can potentially aid colonoscopy by improving completion rates and times as well as patient comfort. However data on its benefit have been conflicting.
Subjective mental workload (the individuals mental resources required as a result of the multiple demands placed on him/her from a task)in healthcare employees is known to be important for the performance and safety of healthcare delivery. Increased mental workload during task performance may increase fatigue, facilitate errors and lead to overall inferior performance.
In colonoscopy high mental workload could potentially be responsible for longer procedural time, lack of trainee learning, inadvertent missing of lesions in the bowel as well as poor technique- all of which may increase patient discomfort and decrease patient experience. The endoscopy room exposes endoscopists to considerable stress particularly during difficult colonoscopies. The effect of the endoscopist’s mental workload on their performance and potential factors to reduce mental workload has not been studied.
This study aims to evaluate endoscopist’s mental workload during colonoscopy and the effect that ScopeGuide may have on this workload.
REC name
West Midlands - Coventry & Warwickshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/WM/0137
Date of REC Opinion
4 Jun 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion