A PRELIMINARY-STUDY OF PATIENTS CONCERNS RELATED TO GI ENDOSCOPY

Objectives: In addition to the well known complications of bleeding an d perforation, GI endoscopy also can produce discomfort, anxiety, and dissatisfaction. In this pilot study, our objective was to obtain info rmation on the fears and concerns of patients about to undergo endosco py and to assess the relationship of such worries to patient satisfact ion and difficulty with the procedure. Methods: At our two referral ho spitals, 793 unsedated patients (45% men, 55% women, average 58 yr) we re interviewed by GI nurses before the intended procedure. Information on procedure-related concerns and difficulty/satisfaction with the pr ocedure was obtained. Results: Sixty percent of our sample reported pr eprocedure concerns, most often: 1) finding out what is wrong (18%); 2 ) pain (12%); and 3) finding cancer (4%). New York patients were more concerned than North Carolina patients with finding out what was wrong (23 vs 12%) although patients at both sites were equally concerned ab out having pain during the procedure (12%); women (16%), younger patie nts (16%), and those about to have their first procedure (17%) reporte d more concerns about pain, Regression analysis indicated that women a nd persons having no or fewer procedures were more likely to report a concern. Having had previous endoscopic procedures predicted greater s atisfaction with subsequent endoscopies. Finally, a high level of prep rocedure concerns was associated with perceived difficulties related t o the procedure. Conclusions: We believe that, by considering patient demographics, asking about previous experiences with endoscopy, and el iciting special concerns, the nurse or physician can focus patient edu cation in a fashion that may reduce anticipatory anxiety.