A patient education program is cost-effective for preventing failure of endoscopic procedures in a gastroenterology department

OBJECTIVE: The growing use and complexity of endoscopy procedures in GI uni ts has increased the need for good patient preparation. Earlier studies in this area have focused on the psychological benefits of patient education p rograms. The present study was directed at determining cost-effectiveness o f a patient education program. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, controlled design was used. The patient population consisted of 142 patients aged 18-90 yr referred for an endosco py procedure. Ninety-one (64%) participated in a targeted educational sessi on conducted by a dedicated departmental nurse (group 1), 38 (27%) did not (group 2), and 13 (9%) received telephonic instruction (group 3). Before th e endoscopy, all patients completed a questionnaire covering background dat a, endoscopy-related variables, anxiety level, and satisfaction. Patient co operation and success/failure of the procedure were documented by the atten ding nurse. RESULTS: Male gender, previous endoscopy, and explanation from the referrin g physician were associated with a low level of anxiety (p < 0.05). There w as a significant association between attendance in the education program an d success of the endoscopy (p = 0.0009). Cancellations of procedures becaus e of poor preparation occurred in 4.39% of group 1 in comparison with 26.31 % and 15.38% of groups 2 and 3, respectively (p = 0.005). The overall cost of the procedure was reduced by 8.6%, 8.9%, and 5.5% for gastroscopy, colon oscopy, and sigmoidoscopy, respectively. All participants expressed satisfa ction with the brochure. CONCLUSION: A pre-endoscopy patient education program apparently increase p atient compliance, thereby decreasing both the need for repeated examinatio ns and their attendant costs. (C) 2001 by Am. Cell. of Gastroenterology.