Development of an optimal pathway for endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty implementation in the NHS: a modified nominal group technique study.

Abstract

Objective: The UK faces a significant obesity crisis, and multiple management options are now available, including pharmacotherapy, endoscopic and surgical interventions. Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) has emerged as a National Institute for Health and Care Excellence-approved, minimally invasive obesity care procedure, which is a safe and effective option for selected patients. Despite its promise, National Health Service (NHS) providers lack standardised guidance for the implementation of this intervention. This initiative is aimed at creating a comprehensive pathway for the implementation of ESG within the NHS using a diverse stakeholder approach.

Methods: A modified nominal group technique (NGT) was employed, bringing together a diverse group of healthcare professionals (HCPs) involved in obesity management from primary and secondary care, commissioner representatives and patient groups in an iterative consensus-building process. The NGT methodology allowed for structured discussion, prioritisation of key elements and sequential refinement of the pathway through multiple rounds of expert input and feedback.

Results: The panel reached agreement on HCP requirements, resource allocation and identified key considerations for successful ESG implementation. Critical elements included primary care engagement, dietetic support, psychological assessment and anaesthetic involvement alongside the procedural aspects of training and mentoring, patient selection and technical factors. Notably, no areas of significant disagreement were identified throughout the process, enabling the development of a comprehensive framework for ESG delivery.

Conclusion: This framework provides practical proposals to facilitate ESG implementation across NHS centres, supporting multidisciplinary care delivery while acknowledging operational feasibility within existing NHS resource constraints.