Authors' recommendations: It is reasonable to assume that DBE will be more costly than VCE but provide greater benefit in terms of diagnostic (biopsy) and treatment capability when that is required for optimal patient care. It is also reasonable to assume that DBE will be less costly than surgical interventions done on an inpatient basis given the high cost of hospital care. Unknown is the extent to which a decrease in the costs of other tests and treatments would offset the costs of adding DBE to the current care pathways. Besides equipment costs, introducing DBE requires that specialists leave the province to train in centres with experience in DBE. Nursing assistants also require training. DBE is not associated with contentious social, legal and ethical issues. Patients would generally prefer to swallow a capsule compared to the relatively more invasive endoscopy and prefer to avoid surgery. As the role of DBE is between these two options in a clinical pathway for investigating and treating conditions of the small intestine then these preferences are satisfied.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2007

URL for published report: http://www.health.alberta.ca/documents/AHTDP-DBE-UofA-STE.pdf

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Organisation Name: Health Technology and Policy Unit

Copyright: Health Technology&Policy Unit (HTPU)