Unplanned work absence following outpatient colonoscopy

The authors investigated the incidence of unplanned work absence the day fo llowing outpatient colonoscopy and examined factors associated with missing work. A total of 250 patients were studied. Patient demographic informatio n, the length of thr procedure, time of day the exam was performed, and the amount and type of sedation medication used was obtained at the time of th e procedure. The incidence and reasons for missing work were elicited via a phone survey 7 days post-procedure. Ten patients (4%) had an unplanned wor k absence the day after their colonoscopy. No complications were noted. Fee ling sleepy and weak or abdominal pain and bloating were the most common re asons for missing work. Tn univariate analyses, patients with an unplanned work absence were more likely to be younger (p = 0.009), and female (p = 0. 02) compared with patients who returned to work. No statistically significa nt differences were found with regard to the amount of sedation medication used, the length of the procedure, or whether the procedure was performed i n the morning or afternoon. Unplanned work absence is low following outpati ent colonoscopy in a community-based practice. Female gender and younger ag e an associated with a higher likelihood of missing work. Postprocedure wor k absence may have a greater economic impact than procedure-related complic ations.