An investigation into the information obtained by patients undergoing gastroscopy investigations

Abstract

The benefits of informing patients before undergoing surgery or other investigative procedures are clearly demonstrated in the literature. This study aimed to determine the amount and type of information given to patients before, during and after undergoing gastroscopy investigations. A survey approach incorporating structured interviews and structured observation was utilized. There were statistically significant differences between the information acquired by younger and older patients prior to, but not during or after, the procedure. Nurses appear to be the most important source of information for older patients while the information leaflet was perceived as the most important source of information for younger patients.

Patients' Need for Information Prior to Colonic Surgery

“…Similarly, Walker (2007) and Clements and Melby (1998) demonstrated that a patient's stress level drops if that patient is well informed about the procedure. Their study shows the advantage of having a perioperative dialogue.…”

Effect of providing information to the patient about upper gastrointestinal endoscopy on the patient’s perception, compliance and anxiety level associated with the procedure

“…Gastroscopy is a widely used diagnostic procedure that provokes anxiety (20). Jones et al (21) found that the anxiety level is increased before the endoscopy procedure.…”

“…It has been known that the information provided to the patients prior to gastroscopy, about both the procedure itself and the expected sensations during the procedure, had beneficial effects on the patients. The reason for doing the procedure and the manner of performing the procedure should be explained to the patient, including the possible feelings that the patient might experience (20). Levy et al (22) divided the patients into five different groups according to their enlightenment prior to the gastroscopy procedure as patients having: no information, simple information, detailed information, detailed information using figures, and detailed information using video images.…”

An Investigation Into the Information Received by Patients Undergoing a Gastroscopy in a Large Teaching Hospital in Ireland

“…Moreover, the nurse was identified as the main source of information by patients (Thompson et al, 2003). Clements and Melby (1998) reported that 62.5% of older patients and only 12.5% of younger patients undergoing gastroscopy perceived the nurse as the main source of information. The small sample (n ϭ 16) is a limitation of the study, and the concept of age and its possible effect on the source of information merit further research.…”

“…Clements and Melby (1998) reported that 62.5% of older patients and only 12.5% of younger patients undergoing gastroscopy perceived the nurse as the main source of information. Moreover, as both studies (Clements & Melby, 1998;Thompson et al, 2003) were conducted in Northern Ireland, the role of the nurse in information giving in endoscopy may differ in Ireland. Moreover, as both studies (Clements & Melby, 1998;Thompson et al, 2003) were conducted in Northern Ireland, the role of the nurse in information giving in endoscopy may differ in Ireland.…”