The evidence on assessing motility of the gastrointestinal tract using a wireless capsule raises no major safety concerns. There is evidence of efficacy in measuring gastrointestinal function but uncertainty about the clinical benefit of this, and about patient selection. Therefore, this procedure should be used only with special arrangements for clinical governance, consent and audit or research.
Clinicians wishing to assess motility of the gastrointestinal tract using a wireless capsule should take the following actions:
Inform the clinical governance leads in their NHS trusts.
Ensure that patients understand the uncertainty about the procedure's efficacy and provide them with clear written information. In addition, the use of NICE's information for the public is recommended.
Audit and review clinical outcomes of all patients having the motility of the gastrointestinal tract assessed using a wireless capsule (see NICE's interventional procedure outcomes audit tool).
NICE encourages further research into the use of a wireless capsule to assess motility of the gastrointestinal tract. Studies should include clear details of patient selection. They should report on the diagnostic accuracy of the procedure in different parts of the gastrointestinal tract, and should provide data on the clinical benefits of the procedure for patients.