Barriers and Enablers to Capsule Sponge Screening Among People With Heartburn: A Community-Based Qualitative Study in the UK

IF 3.4 3区医学 Q2 HEALTH CARE SCIENCES & SERVICES

Health Expectations Pub Date : 2026-10-15 DOI:10.1111/hex.70919

Ninian Schmeising-Barnes, Emma Lidington, Elisavet Moschopoulou, Daksha Trivedi, Jo Waller

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Abstract

Introduction

Non-endoscopic capsule sponge devices are a promising new technology. They could potentially improve oesophageal cancer outcomes by detecting and monitoring Barrett's oesophagus and identifying dysplasia early to allow timely treatment. Trials assessing their clinical utility are underway.

Objective

This study sought to understand potential barriers and enablers to capsule sponge screening among people with heartburn.

Methods

Forty semi-structured interviews were conducted between October 2024 and April 2025 with men aged 55–79 and women aged 65–79 taking regular reflux medication. Participants were purposively sampled. Transcripts were analysed using Thematic Framework Analysis.

Results

Participants were generally enthusiastic about the test, but not all felt willing or able to take part. Key factors influencing their attitudes are described in three overarching themes. First, participants described how they navigate reflux-related care and negotiate this with healthcare professionals. They considered how capsule sponge screening would fit into this collaborative model. Second, participants showed an aversion to uncertainty, noting that capsule sponge screening could both create and reduce uncertainty about their health. Third, participants' understanding of their candidacy varied based on risk perceptions, self-efficacy and views about acting on test results. Some expressed a sense of being less ‘worthy’ candidates than others.

Conclusion

Overall, the capsule sponge test screening appealed to many due to its quick, simple and minimally invasive approach. Nevertheless, concerns about responsibility for reflux care, candidacy and uncertainty will likely shape attitudes and intention towards the test and should be key considerations if this test is implemented.

Lived Experience or Public Contribution

Three individuals with lived experience of reflux, Barrett's oesophagus and oesophageal cancer were involved in the design of this study and associated materials.

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胃灼热人群中胶囊海绵筛查的障碍和促进因素：英国一项基于社区的定性研究。

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来源期刊

Health Expectations 医学-公共卫生、环境卫生与职业卫生

CiteScore

5.20

自引率

9.40%

发文量

251

审稿时长

>12 weeks

期刊介绍： Health Expectations promotes critical thinking and informed debate about all aspects of patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) in health and social care, health policy and health services research including: • Person-centred care and quality improvement • Patients'' participation in decisions about disease prevention and management • Public perceptions of health services • Citizen involvement in health care policy making and priority-setting • Methods for monitoring and evaluating participation • Empowerment and consumerism • Patients'' role in safety and quality • Patient and public role in health services research • Co-production (researchers working with patients and the public) of research, health care and policy Health Expectations is a quarterly, peer-reviewed journal publishing original research, review articles and critical commentaries. It includes papers which clarify concepts, develop theories, and critically analyse and evaluate specific policies and practices. The Journal provides an inter-disciplinary and international forum in which researchers (including PPIE researchers) from a range of backgrounds and expertise can present their work to other researchers, policy-makers, health care professionals, managers, patients and consumer advocates.