{
  "abstract": "Introduction The Virtual Lucy (VL) Gastroenterology platform has been developed to streamline diagnostics (including blood, stool tests and radiology via a national network) and care pathways for general practitioner-referred patients across the UK. The pathway was designed to avoid patients with acute presentations. We present the feasibility, acceptability and safety of the Gastroenterology digital pathway for the first time.Methods The VL platform captured demographic data, symptoms, clinical diagnoses, treatment plans, management outcomes, Patient-Reported Experience Measures (PREMs), Net Promoter Scores (NPS), and patient feedback. 4,821 cases have been incorporated since the beginning of the service in May 2024. A subset of the data from 1st February 2025 to 31st December 2025 is presented here.Results 3,481 patients (M:F 45%:54%; median age 40y, range 18-87y), of whom 2,448 completed the full pathway (70%, a Face-to-Face (F-2-F) or a discharge outcome to date). Of these, 508 (14%) chose not to proceed with the digital pathway. The mean time from referral to patient completing the pre-assessment was 4.7 days, and 0.91 days from pre-assessment completion to case review by a Consultant Gastroenterologist. Overall, 45% of patients (1,341/2,973) were managed entirely via the digital pathway and 54.9% (1,632/2,973) required F-2-F assessment, including those requiring endoscopy for exclusion of cancer. 525 patients are still awaiting an outcome. The mean number of appointments per patient, including the initial case review, was 1.73, decreasing from 1.76 in June 2025 to 1.2 in December 2025, as experience with the pathway increased. For patients managed entirely digitally, the mean time from case creation to discharge was 38.25 working days. Those requiring F-2-F appointment waited a mean of 10.57 working days for referral for first specialist consultation. Prescriptions were provided to 1,840 patients. The most common clinical diagnoses were Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS; 36%) and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD; 15%). Patient experience was good, with a PREMs score of 4.63 and a Net Promoter Score of 38.01.Conclusions The Virtual Lucy Gastroenterology pathway demonstrated high feasibility and effectiveness, with 70% of UK patients completing the full pathway and 45% being managed entirely digitally without requiring face-to-face assessment or endoscopy. The model delivered rapid triage, low dropout rates, and efficient turnaround times, while maintaining high patient satisfaction. Most clinical diagnoses were IBS and GORD, reflecting typical Gastroenterology practice. Overall, these findings suggest that a digitally-enabled triage and management system can safely streamline Gastroenterology referrals, reduce unnecessary in-person appointments and endoscopy, whilst maintaining high-quality patient experience.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "HBS UK, Nottingham, United Kingdom"
      ],
      "name": "Maxton Pitcher"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "HBS UK, Nottingham, United Kingdom"
      ],
      "name": "Abdul Seckham"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "HBS UK, Nottingham, United Kingdom"
      ],
      "name": "Isabel Frost"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Merseyside & W Lancs NHS Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom"
      ],
      "name": "Ash Bassi"
    }
  ],
  "title": "O7 The use of a digital gastroenterology management platform is safe, rapid and effective with high patient satisfaction",
  "uid": "39b4d22a-500d-5300-99bb-bd1a8f8217e4"
}