Procedural Skills Transfer in Bronchoscopy

Bronchoscopy is a procedure for visualising the inside of the lung and airways. During bronchoscopy, a thin tube is passed through the patient's mouth or nose, down the throat and into the lungs. This allows the practitioner to examine the patient's airways for abnormalities such as inflammation. Additionally, samples may be taken from inside the lungs.

Success rate of bronchoscopy relies on the practitioners experience. Patients undergoing bronchoscopy performed by novice bronchoscopists have an increased complication rate. Data from clinical practice suggest that bronchoscopy has a prolonged learning curve and trainees should perform a number of procedures, under supervision, to learn the technique.

In this study the investigators aim to capture bronchoscopy data from patients (Group1) and bronchoscopists (Group 2) over a period of 3 years. The investigators will collect the pre-procedure CT scans and endoscopy videos of 300 patients. Up to 20 bronchoscopists will take part in the study by answering a short questionnaire on their experience and wearing sensorized gloves which will record their hand movements during the procedure. the investigators aim to use this data to develop computer algorithms and simulators that will assist in the training of new bronchoscopists, decreasing the time required to learn the technique and improving patient safety.

Inclusion criteria

Group 1

• over 16 years of age
• patients identified as requiring a bronchoscopy by their clinician
• patients must have had a CT scan in the 8 weeks prior to the procedure
• capacity to consent

Exclusion criteria

Group 1 - Patients who have not had a CT scan in the 8 weeks prior to the procedure

Inclusion criteria

Group 2

• Suitably qualified bronchoscopists, this may include trainee bronchoscopists

Exclusion criteria

Group 2

• Clinicians who do not give consent to participate in the study
• Clinicians who are not comfortable performing bronchoscopy while wearing the lightweight glove