Background This systematic review aimed to analyse the use of the SX-ELLA biodegradable stent (BDS) for benign oesophageal strictures through the assessment of clinical and technical success, differences in pre- and post-BDS insertion dysphagia scores, rates of stent migration, and safety. Methods A systematic review was reported according to PRISMA guidelines, with a prospectively registered protocol. The databases PubMed, Embase, SCOPUS, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched up to March 2022. Studies assessing the use of the SX-ELLA BDS in adults with benign oesophageal strictures were included. A pooled data analysis was conducted to analyse the clinical and technical success associated with BDS use, rate of stent migration, and safety. Results Of the 1509 articles identified, 16 studies treating 246 patients were eligible for inclusion. BDS was clinically successful in 41.9% of cases (95% CI = 35.7 – 48.1%), defined as those who experienced complete symptom resolution following BDS insertion. Technical success was achieved in 97.2% of patients (95% CI = 95.1 – 99.3%). A pooled analysis concluded a decrease in mean dysphagia score of 1.8 points (95% CI = 1.68 – 1.91) following BDS insertion. Re-intervention was required in 89 patients (36.2%, 95% CI = 30.2 – 42.2%), whilst stent migration occurred in 6.5% of patients (95% CI = 3.4 – 9.6%). A total of 37 major clinical complications related to BDS insertion were reported (15.0%, 95% CI = 10.5 – 19.5%). Conclusion The pooled data analysis demonstrates the high technical and moderate clinical success of the SX-ELLA biodegradable stent, supporting its use for benign oesophageal strictures in adults. However, greater evidence is required for more robust conclusions to be made in terms of success when compared to alternative methods of intervention, such as endoscopic dilation.

Aim Our conference aimed to address the lack of opportunity for healthcare students to develop leadership skills through the traditional curriculum. As well as the need to increase students' desire and confidence to pursue healthcare roles associated with leadership and management. Methods Pre and post-conference questionnaires were sent to conference delegates. Delegates rated their knowledge concerning health leadership and management using the scale: excellent, good, neutral, poor, very poor. Desire and confidence of delegates to pursue healthcare leadership and management roles was also assessed. A comparison of pre and post-conference questionnaires was then carried out. Results Comparison of the questionnaires show an increase in delegate knowledge of healthcare leadership and management post-conference, with an increase of 12.2% of delegates rating 'excellent' and 32.5% rating 'good'. An increase in desire and confidence in undertaking a healthcare and management role was also evident.Furthermore, 22.2% of delegates rated 'strongly agree' and 51.5% rated 'agree' in response to the statement 'Through the conference I have developed the relevant knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for a role in healthcare management and leadership'.41.4% of delegates also 'disagree' and 11.1% 'strongly disagree' with the statement 'the undergraduate curriculum includes enough guidance on management and leadership', highlighting the need for opportunities to develop such skills. Conclusion The data demonstrates that student-led, international leadership conferences are an effective way of enhancing healthcare leadership and management skills in attendees.Additionally, with more students and healthcare professionals having greater confidence to engage in leadership roles, it allows for better patient care through efficient communication, decision making and time management as shown through previous studies.Elisha Kailla -presenter

Aim Our conference aimed to address the lack of opportunity for healthcare students to develop leadership skills through the traditional curriculum. As well as the need to increase students' desire and confidence to pursue healthcare roles associated with leadership and management. Methods Pre and post-conference questionnaires were sent to conference delegates. Delegates rated their knowledge concerning health leadership and management using the scale: excellent, good, neutral, poor, very poor. Desire and confidence of delegates to pursue healthcare leadership and management roles was also assessed. A comparison of pre and post-conference questionnaires was then carried out. Results Comparison of the questionnaires show an increase in delegate knowledge of healthcare leadership and management post-conference, with an increase of 12.2% of delegates rating 'excellent' and 32.5% rating 'good'. An increase in desire and confidence in undertaking a healthcare and management role was also evident.Furthermore, 22.2% of delegates rated 'strongly agree' and 51.5% rated 'agree' in response to the statement 'Through the conference I have developed the relevant knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for a role in healthcare management and leadership'.41.4% of delegates also 'disagree' and 11.1% 'strongly disagree' with the statement 'the undergraduate curriculum includes enough guidance on management and leadership', highlighting the need for opportunities to develop such skills. Conclusion The data demonstrates that student-led, international leadership conferences are an effective way of enhancing healthcare leadership and management skills in attendees.Additionally, with more students and healthcare professionals having greater confidence to engage in leadership roles, it allows for better patient care through efficient communication, decision making and time management as shown through previous studies.Elisha Kailla -presenter