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P146 Case finding patients with risk factors for barrett’s oesophagus for capsule sponge procedures: lessons from our first cohort

gutjnl · 2026-06-23 · canonical JSON source

4 visible annotations · policy: published · automated confidence ≥ 75.00%

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Introduction Capsule sponge procedures (CSP) are minimally invasive tests allowing for identification of patients with high-risk markers for Barrett’s Oesophagus (BO). Patient satisfaction rates for CSP are excellent. Somerset NHS Foundation Trust were awarded funding to undertake CSP through a case finding approach (CFA). Our first patient cohort were contacted in December 2025. In addition to the primary objective of identification of patients with high-risk BO, we aimed to a) assess response rates to different SMSs b) evaluate patient acceptability of being contacted via a CFA.Methods 209 patients were contacted via SMS who were known to have prior PPI use and a Kunzman score of >8 (high risk features for oesophageal cancer) using primary care records via C-The Signs. Three SMSs ( table 1) were sent to allow for comparison of response rates. SMSs were sent on the same day and time. The sender appeared as ‘NHS Somerset’. Patient experience feedback of the CFA was collected post-CSP using a Likert-type scale.Results In total, 35 patients (20.8%) responded, 30 fully completed the online assessment. The shorter message, SMS B, had a higher response rate of 23.5% (14.8% SMS A, 15.4% SMS C). 15 were invited for the CSP following an eligibility screening call with our capsule sponge nurses. 41 patients (19.6%) never received the SMS due to phone services blocking SMSs.To date, nine CSP have been completed with all participants giving feedback. Eight thought the SMS was genuine. Two felt a letter and one thought an email would have been more appropriate. All felt it was ok for ‘the NHS’ to be contacting them if they were at risk of a health problem. Eight were glad we checked their GP records to invite them to a test related to their symptoms.To increase response rates, we have adapted the short SMS wording to mimic traditional NHS messaging, including a contact number for our faster diagnosis team. Work continues with C-The Signs to overcome the blocking of SMSs.Conclusion Although numbers are small, early feedback shows a high level of patient acceptability through this CFA. Through adapting SMSs and addressing operational pitfalls we hope to improve response rates.Abstract P146 Table 1SMSs sentSMS AHi [first name], Had heartburn or taken tablets for this? These symptoms can mean you have a higher chance of food pipe cancer. You can now do a quick and easy check to assess this. Reduce your risk Click on the link below to get started for free. No GP appointment needed: URLSMS BHi [first name], Heartburn, indigestion or trouble swallowing can be a warning sign for cancer. Please complete a quick NHS online check: URLSMS C Hi [first name], Heartburn, indigestion, or finding it harder to swallow can be a symptom of cancer. Your GP recommends you complete a quick online assessment, no appointment needed. Simple click the link below: URL