2021 Patient Perceptions Regarding Colonoscopy Experience

Abstract

Goal: We sought to document patient perceptions in 2021 regarding colonoscopy experience and potential deterrents to repeat colonoscopy. Background and Aim: Bowel preparation has been previously considered by patients to be the worst part of a colonoscopy. Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective survey of consecutive patients age 18 years and older who had just completed colonoscopy at 2 outpatient endoscopy centers at a tertiary academic hospital. The short survey was conducted in the recovery area. The main outcome measure was patient perceptions of the worst part of their colonoscopy experience and which factor would most deter them from a future colonoscopy. Results: Four hundred patients completed the survey of 405 approached. Average patient age was 64 years, and 48% were women. Seventy-five percent of patients used low-volume preparations. Bowel preparation was considered the worst part of colonoscopy by 71% of patients. Women were more likely to choose laxatives as the worst part of a colonoscopy. Bowel preparation was chosen most often (55%) as the most likely deterrent to a future colonoscopy. There were minimal differences in responses between those receiving low-volume versus high-volume (4 L) preparations. Conclusion: Bowel preparation remains the worst part of the colonoscopy experience for patients, and the most likely deterrent to future colonoscopy.

Insights into Personal Perceptions and Experiences of Colonoscopy after Positive FIT in the Flemish Colorectal Cancer Screening Program

“…This aligns with findings from Issaka et al (2021), who associated lower DC completion rates with bowel preparation (survey among primary care providers-PCPs) [20]. Vemulapalli et al (2023), in a study involving colonoscopy experiences, also emphasized that bowel preparation was considered the least favorable aspect of colonoscopy, and was a significant deterrent to a future colonoscopy [25]. Similarly, Amlani et al (2020) found that respondents with colonoscopy experience exhibited a greater aversion to bowel preparation compared to those who were colonoscopy naïve (47% vs. 26%) [16].…”

“…After all, a colonoscopy remains the gold standard after a positive FIT. The quest for a more acceptable and well-tolerated bowel preparation still represents an unmet need within the field of colonoscopy [25]. It is possible that non-DC compliers might be willing to undergo a CTC.…”

Performing High-Quality, Safe, Cost-Effective, and Efficient Basic Colonoscopy in 2023: Advice From Two Experts

“…The bowel preparation must be split or same day (11). Patients consider preparation to be the worst part of colonoscopy (12), so low-volume preparations should be the default choice. Low-volume preparations are equally effective, better tolerated, and associated with greater willingness to repeat (13)(14)(15).…”

A Phase 2 Evaluation of a New Flavored Peg and Sulfate Solution Compared to an Over-the-counter Laxative, Peg and Sports Drink Bowel Preparation Combination

“…Despite improvements in prescription bowel preparation technology, a signi cant proportion of colonoscopy preparations offered to patients are not approved by the FDA, but rather are over-the-counter laxative combinations [1]. This is likely because bowel preparation is repeatedly cited as the worst part of the colonoscopy experience and an impediment to recommended surveillance [2]. To combat prep hesitancy on the part of patients, many physicians have adopted an unapproved bowel preparation for colonoscopy that consists of an over-the-counter polyethylene glycol (PEG-3350) laxative combined with a "sports drink" (PEG-SD) such as Gatorade® [3].…”