RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Endoscopic Severity Image Recognition to Advance Research and Training in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (EVEREST - IBD)

This research, called EVEREST-IBD, is focused on improving how we understand and assess inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) using endoscopy, a procedure where a camera is used to look inside the body. We are developing a special computer programme, often called an Artificial Intelligence or AI, to 'learn' from many endoscopy images. This AI will be trained to accurately spot signs of IBD and measure how severe it is. The long-term goal is to help doctors make more consistent and accurate assessments, potentially reducing the chance of missing important problems like bowel cancer, and leading to better training for healthcare professionals. Ultimately, this could mean better and more precise care for people living with IBD.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Enrolment target

4,000

Start

17 Sep 2021

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2031

Inflammatory Bowel Disease 1

What is this study about?

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a long-term condition that causes inflammation in the gut. Regular check-ups using a procedure called an endoscopy are a really important part of managing IBD. During an endoscopy, a doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera on the end to look inside your bowels and check for inflammation or other changes. The images taken during these endoscopies give doctors a lot of information about your condition.

This study aims to make these endoscopy assessments even better and more consistent. We're doing this by training a special type of computer programme to 'read' and understand the images captured during an endoscopy. Think of it like teaching a computer to become an expert at spotting subtle signs of IBD and measuring how serious it is, just from looking at the pictures. As part of this, we'll be building a large collection of these endoscopy images to help the computer learn and become more accurate.

The main goal is that this advanced computer programme will help doctors make more precise and reliable assessments of IBD. This could lead to a number of important improvements: doctors might be able to spot issues more consistently, training for new doctors could be enhanced, and ultimately, it could help reduce the chance of missing serious problems like bowel cancer. All of this is working towards giving people with IBD the best possible care and improving their health and well-being.

Key takeaways

This study uses AI to improve how IBD is assessed by endoscopy.
It aims for more consistent and accurate disease detection.
Participation involves letting researchers use images from your routine endoscopy.
No extra tests, procedures, or medication are involved for you.
Your privacy is protected as images are made anonymous.
The goal is better care and outcomes for people with IBD.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you need to be at least 16 years old. This study isn't about giving you a new treatment or medication; instead, it's about using images taken during a routine endoscopy that you are already having as part of your normal hospital care.

So, if you are due to have an endoscopy where images will be taken, and you are 16 years or older, you might be suitable.

Anyone under the age of 16 cannot take part. Also, if you are unable to understand the information and agree to take part, or if you simply prefer not to have your images used for this research, then you would not be included in the study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 16 years old or older?
Are you already scheduled for an endoscopy as part of your normal care?
Will images be captured during your endoscopy procedure?
Are you able to understand the study information and agree to take part?
Are you happy for anonymous images from your endoscopy to be used for research?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you choose to take part in this study, you won't need any extra visits to the hospital or different tests than what you would normally have. Your participation is about allowing researchers to use the images that are already being taken during your routine endoscopy appointment. You won't be given any new medication as part of this study. There's no follow-up specifically for the research beyond your usual medical care. The images will be made anonymous so they can't be linked directly back to you, ensuring your privacy.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct medical benefits for you from taking part in this study, as it doesn't involve new treatments or procedures. However, the information gathered from your images could help improve how IBD is diagnosed and managed for future patients. There are no additional risks involved beyond those of your standard endoscopy procedure, as no extra tests or interventions are part of the study. Your images will be made anonymous to protect your privacy. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time, meaning your images would no longer be used for the research, without affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Hull Royal Infirmary
Verified postcode
Hull, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an endoscopy and why do I have one for IBD?

An endoscopy uses a small camera on a tube to look inside your gut. It helps doctors see inflammation or other changes caused by IBD and check how your condition is progressing.

Will taking part in this study change my endoscopy procedure?

No, your endoscopy will be exactly the same as planned. This study only uses the images already taken during your routine procedure.

Will my personal details be used in this research?

No. Your images will be made anonymous, meaning any information that could identify you will be removed before they are used for the study. Your privacy is protected.

What is 'AI' or a 'computer programme' doing in this study?

We are teaching a computer programme to 'read' endoscopy images, similar to how a doctor does. This helps it learn to spot signs of IBD and measure its severity more accurately and consistently.

Can I still have my endoscopy if I don't want to join the study?

Absolutely. Your decision to participate or not will not affect your standard medical care or your planned endoscopy.

How to find out more

Shaji Sebastian

shaji.sebastian@hey.nhs.uk 01482 816764 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.