RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Endoscopy Immersion Study.

This research is investigating 'immersion training' for doctors learning to perform endoscopies. Endoscopy is a procedure where a camera on a thin tube is used to look inside the body. Many endoscopy services in the UK are very busy, so it's important that doctors are trained well and efficiently. This study aims to understand different ways this intensive training is being done, how it affects the doctors learning, and whether it offers good value for money. This will help make sure that doctors receive the best possible training to provide high-quality care to patients.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

200

Start

09 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

01 Feb 2026

Training Endoscopy

What is this study about?

Endoscopy is a common and important medical procedure where doctors use a special camera to look inside parts of your body, like your stomach or bowel. It helps them diagnose and treat many different conditions. Because these services are so important, doctors need excellent training to become skilled endoscopists.

One type of training being looked at nationally is called 'immersion training.' This is an intensive way for doctors to learn endoscopy, often involving dedicated time away from their usual duties to focus solely on their endoscopy skills. Our study aims to fully understand how this immersion training works in different places across the UK. We want to see if it's really making a positive difference to how doctors learn and perform, and if it's a good investment of resources.

Specifically, we're looking at past training experiences of doctors, and also planning to follow new doctors undergoing this training. This will help us evaluate the different ways immersion training is delivered, how much it costs, and most importantly, what benefits it brings to the trainees and the endoscopy services they work in. This research is crucial for ensuring that doctors receive the best possible training, which ultimately benefits all patients needing endoscopy.

Key takeaways

This study evaluates intensive 'immersion training' for doctors learning endoscopy.
It aims to understand if the training is effective and good value for money.
The findings will help improve future endoscopy training in the UK.
The research involves looking at past and current training experiences of doctors.
Participation will not involve any visits or medication.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking to include doctors who are currently training to perform endoscopies. This includes doctors from different specialities like surgery, gastroenterology (which focuses on the digestive system), or those specifically training in clinical endoscopy (CE).

You could be included if you have already completed some 'immersion training' for either gastroscopy (looking into the stomach) or colonoscopy (looking into the bowel). We are also interested in hearing from doctors who are about to start this type of immersion training.

Basically, if you're a doctor in training to do endoscopies and you've either had or are about to have this intensive 'immersion training', you might be eligible to be part of our study. We are interested in doctors of all ages and genders.

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 a doctor currently training to perform endoscopies?
Have you had or are you about to start 'immersion training'?
Does your training involve gastroscopy or colonoscopy?
Are you from a surgical, gastroenterology, or clinical endoscopy background?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you are a doctor who meets the criteria, participation would involve sharing information about your training experience. For doctors who have already completed immersion training, this would involve providing details about your past training and performance data, all handled confidentially. For doctors about to start immersion training, we would follow your progress over time, looking at how your skills develop following your training. There are no visits required and you would not need to take any medication as part of this study.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of taking part is contributing to a better understanding of how to train doctors effectively in endoscopy, which can improve patient care in the long run. While there are no direct health benefits to you, your involvement could help shape future training programmes. Potential risks are very low; your personal information and any data shared will be kept strictly confidential. Participation is entirely voluntary, and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this would not affect your training or career in any way.

Locations (1)

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

Gloucestershire Royal Hospital
Verified postcode
Gloucester, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'endoscopy'?

Endoscopy is a procedure where a doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to look inside your body, for example, your stomach or bowel, to check for problems.

What is 'immersion training'?

Immersion training is a special, intensive period of learning specifically focused on developing endoscopy skills for doctors.

Will this study affect doctors' training?

No, this study is about evaluating existing training methods and won't directly alter a doctor's training programme.

Who is funding this research?

The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and value for money of immersion training at a national level, suggesting it is a public health initiative, likely funded through NHS or government research grants.

What will happen with the results?

The results will be used to help improve endoscopy training programmes across the UK, ensuring doctors receive the best possible education to benefit patients.

How to find out more

Molly Bradbury, BMBS

Molly.bradbury3@nhs.net 03004222222 Official trial record

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