Pressures on endoscopy units are increasing as a result of the Global Rating Scheme, the 2 and 18 week rules and introduction of bowel cancer screening. Nurse endoscopy has evolved over the last decade with many nurse endoscopists extending practice from flexible sigmoidoscopy to colonoscopy, which may leave service gaps leaving routine flexible sigmoidoscopy at risk. To fill this gap, a pilot study was undertaken to assess the suitability of training unqualified individuals to undertake flexible sigmoidoscopy.

An Inter-professional, flexible entry training programme was developed - BSc (Gastroenterology). Nine individuals were enrolled onto the programme, with achievements of the students being closely followed over two years. Academic components of the training included FS theory and practice, professional practice, anatomy and physiology and coloproctology. Practical hands-on endoscopy training was regularly provided at an endoscopy training centre in conjunction with the students base Trust. Summative assessment was undertaken for practical skill and theoretical knowledge and understanding.

At the end of year 2, 5 students( 56%) had progressed to full procedures under direct supervision within 15 months of commencing the programme. 3 of the students moved onto undertaking procedures under proximal supervision by month 16. Of the remaining 4, 2 commenced proximally supervised procedures at 22 months. In respect of academic achievement, the rate of successful completion at first attempt was 93%. At the end of year 2, all 9 students progressed onto the optional third and final year of the BSc programme.

The results included within this thesis illustrate the suitability of the curriculum to develop endoscopic practitioners who are safe, competent and effective within flexible sigmoidoscopy. The curriculum provides a realistic opportunity to develop alternative individuals to undertake flexible sigmoidoscopy, providing a realistic option to contribute to service provision and delivery within endoscopy and gastroenterology without undermining nursing and medical staffing.