Search citation statements
Paper Sections
Citation Types
Year Published
Publication Types
Relationship
Authors
Journals
Introduction There are a number of presenting Emergency Department complaints that may necessitate the testing of stool for the presence of blood. A provider-performed digital rectal examination is frequently performed solely for the collection of stool for a fecal occult blood testing (FOBT). With increased emphasis on patient autonomy and shared decision-making, it is appropriate to consider patient preferences with regard to who performs the invasive collection of stool. Our objective was to determine patient preference in regard to provider versus self-collection of stool sample for use in FOBT and identify patient demographics associated with those more likely to self-collect. Finally, we examined specimen adequacy and patient satisfaction by open-ended comment. Materials and Methods We conducted a 1-year, prospective, non-randomized, observational trial with a convenience sample of 100 patients. After enrollment, study participants were offered the choice of self-collection versus provider collection. Stool collection proceeded according to participant preference. Simple descriptive statistics were used to analyze the primary outcome. The secondary proportional univariate outcomes were evaluated with chi-square testing (alpha level—0.05). We used a multivariable logistic regression model to evaluate the association of independent variables with the likelihood to perform self-collection. Results A total of 100 patients were enrolled over 1 year, with 51% choosing to collect their own sample. Younger age was the only statistically significant predictor for self-collection (p < 0.001); furthermore, for every year of increasing age, patients were 3% less likely to choose self-collection. All self-collected samples were adequate for testing. In univariate analyses, patients younger than 35 were more likely to perform self-collection (66%) compared with those over 35 (36%). Those over 64 self-collected only 24% of the time. Neither sex nor race were associated with collection method preference. Conclusions When offered the choice between self-directed or provider-performed stool sample collection, more than half of participants chose to obtain their own sample; furthermore, age was the only statistically significant predictor of preference for collection method. All patients who self-collected were able to provide an adequate sample. Our evidence suggests the offer of FOBT self-collection is a feasible method to enhance patient autonomy and improve therapeutic alliances.
Introduction There are a number of presenting Emergency Department complaints that may necessitate the testing of stool for the presence of blood. A provider-performed digital rectal examination is frequently performed solely for the collection of stool for a fecal occult blood testing (FOBT). With increased emphasis on patient autonomy and shared decision-making, it is appropriate to consider patient preferences with regard to who performs the invasive collection of stool. Our objective was to determine patient preference in regard to provider versus self-collection of stool sample for use in FOBT and identify patient demographics associated with those more likely to self-collect. Finally, we examined specimen adequacy and patient satisfaction by open-ended comment. Materials and Methods We conducted a 1-year, prospective, non-randomized, observational trial with a convenience sample of 100 patients. After enrollment, study participants were offered the choice of self-collection versus provider collection. Stool collection proceeded according to participant preference. Simple descriptive statistics were used to analyze the primary outcome. The secondary proportional univariate outcomes were evaluated with chi-square testing (alpha level—0.05). We used a multivariable logistic regression model to evaluate the association of independent variables with the likelihood to perform self-collection. Results A total of 100 patients were enrolled over 1 year, with 51% choosing to collect their own sample. Younger age was the only statistically significant predictor for self-collection (p < 0.001); furthermore, for every year of increasing age, patients were 3% less likely to choose self-collection. All self-collected samples were adequate for testing. In univariate analyses, patients younger than 35 were more likely to perform self-collection (66%) compared with those over 35 (36%). Those over 64 self-collected only 24% of the time. Neither sex nor race were associated with collection method preference. Conclusions When offered the choice between self-directed or provider-performed stool sample collection, more than half of participants chose to obtain their own sample; furthermore, age was the only statistically significant predictor of preference for collection method. All patients who self-collected were able to provide an adequate sample. Our evidence suggests the offer of FOBT self-collection is a feasible method to enhance patient autonomy and improve therapeutic alliances.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.