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P367 Developing the gastroenterology/endoscopy workforce for 2025 and beyond: implications for endoscopy and bowel cancer screening

Introduction Delivering better outcomes for cancer is a major part of the Long Term Plan for the NHS. For colo-rectal cancer (CRC) better outcomes will mainly come from earlier diagnosis of CRC and polyps via the bowel cancer screening programme (BCSP). However more CRC screening has implications for the Bowel Cancer screening workforce. Currently there is no data to inform how much additional screening can be undertaken. The aim of this survey was to assess workforce career intentions with regards to screening and non-screening endoscopy. Methods A questionnaire survey, developed by the core stakeholders, sent to all members of the BSG, ACPGB&I and JAG between Feb-April 2020. Results Responses were received from 352 endoscopists (age 25–74 yr old) most of whom worked in England. Respondents were non-screening colonoscopists (40%), screening colonoscopists (24%), nurse endoscopists (19%) and trainees (17%). Amongst current screening colonoscopists, most undertook 2 lists per week, one of which was for screening. However many were keen to do an additional screening list each week, if they were able to relinquish emergency care (71%), ward cover (45%) or an outpatient clinic (41%). Importantly, 40% of the current screening workforce were planning to stop screening in the next 2–5 yrs due to retirement/pension issues. Of non-screening consultants 36% were considering becoming JAG accredited if they could give up emergency care (83%), ward cover (67%) or an outpatient clinic (43%). Interests outside of screening (42%) was the most common reason for not wanting to become a screener. In addition, there was little enthusiasm for undertaking more endoscopy. However amongst trainees, 72% wanted to contribute to the BCSP, particularly if they did not participate in acute medicine or GIM ward cover. Their ideal job plan would have 1–2 BCSP lists per week, as did 48% of the nurse endoscopists who wanted to become BSCP colonoscopists. Conclusions Amongst the current consultant workforce there is some appetite to contribute to the BCSP, particularly if allowed to step away from emergency/acute care. However, the impact of early retirement and pensions needs to be considered within the plans to develop the screening workforce. Many trainees and nurse endoscopists would like to become BCSP colonoscopists.