How gastroenterologists inform patients of results after lower endoscopy

OBJECTIVE: Little is known about how gastroenterologists communicate endosc opic findings and biopsy results to their patients. We sought to determine the factors that may influence this behavior. METHODS: A survey questionnaire was developed and mailed to the 80 members of the Delaware Valley Society for GI Endoscopy. Information was obtained o n the demographic characteristics and responses to six case vignettes prepa red to examine communication patterns. We determined possible influences of conscious sedation and the benignity or severity of findings on communicat ion practices. RESULTS: Sixty-one surveys (76%) were completed and analyzed. Endoscopists immediately inform patients of normal results. For abnormal results, 92% wo uld immediately inform nonsedated patients versus 79% that would inform sed ated patients (p < 0.008). Analysis of responses to the case vignettes indi cated that 82% of endoscopists would immediately reassure the patient about a benign appearing (<1 cm) polyp, but only 70% would do so for a polyp >2 cm (p < 0.01). In contrast, when presented with a frank malignancy, 94% wou ld inform the patient. Eighty-four percent of endoscopists would telephone results of a benign pathology report, but only 34% would telephone report a dysplastic lesion (p < 0.001). There was no con-elation between the respon se rate and various demographic parameters such as physician age, type of, or length of time in practice. CONCLUSIONS: Gastroenterologists usually report normal findings immediately , but are less likely to do so after use of sedation or encountering abnorm al findings. Most of those surveyed would use the telephone to communicate abnormal findings.