Pertinence of a pre-colonoscopy consultation for routine information delivery.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this study was to determine whether patients have a better level of information about colonoscopy and are more satisfied with medical care when they attend a dedicated consultation with a gastroenterologist prior to the procedure.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective study which compared "exposed" (E) and "non exposed" (NE) patients. In group E, information about colonoscopy was delivered by a gastroenterologist during a special consultation at least 24 hours before the procedure. In group NE, information was delivered in the usual manner. The patients' level of information was measured after colonoscopy and 3 months later.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients were included in group E and 18 in group NE. The level of information was better in group E, 5.2 +/- 2.1 versus 3.3 +/- 2.1 (P<0.04), as was satisfaction with medical care, 24.9 +/- 4.6 versus 23.0 +/- 5.1 (P<0.03). The differences in information levels remained at 3 months.

CONCLUSION

The information delivered during a dedicated precolonoscopy consultation increases assimilation of knowledge concerning the procedure and the patient's satisfaction with medical care.