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Health service staff and patients’ perceptions of the safety, quality, cost-effectiveness, environmental impact, benefits and challenges of disposable versus reusable endoscopes in upper gastrointestinal procedures: a qualitative study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Objective To explore National Health Service (NHS) staff and patients’ perceptions of the safety, cost-effectiveness, environmental impact, benefits and challenges of single-use and reusable endoscopes in upper gastrointestinal (GI) procedures.Methods This qualitative study was conducted across four NHS hospital sites in England and Wales. Participants included patients who had undergone upper GI endoscopy and staff involved across the endoscopy pathway. Data were collected between December 2024 and September 2025 and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.Results Eighteen patients and 21 NHS staff participated. Five themes were identified: (1) information about reusability not relevant to patients, with patients prioritising understanding the procedure rather than technical details of the endoscope; (2) deference to NHS decision-making, with patients and staff generally perceiving both reusable and disposable endoscopes as safe and appropriate, while favouring reusable scopes based on familiarity and perceived cost-effectiveness; (3) potential use of disposable endoscopes for managing contagious patients, with staff viewing disposable scopes as particularly appropriate for high-risk or emergency cases; (4) greener endoscopy through more targeted use, with staff suggesting that more targeted use of procedures and selective use of disposable scopes could be potential opportunities to reduce environmental impact and (5) reusable scopes working well but variable in quality, with staff reporting generally good performance but some concerns regarding variation in image quality and wear and tear.Conclusion Neither staff nor patients strongly preferred reusable or disposable endoscopes when quality and safety standards were met. Decisions should therefore prioritise cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability.

Source: BMJ Open Gastroenterology

DOI: 10.1136/bmjgast-2026-002357

Authors: Julia Gauly, Amy Grove

Institution: University of Birmingham

Language: English

Topic: Medical Device Sterilization and Disinfection

Subfield: Microbiology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,085