Prospective randomised controlled trial of written supplement to verbal communication of results to patients at the time of flexible cystoscopy.

PURPOSE

This trial assessed if written information on procedural findings and subsequent treatment improved understanding and reduced anxiety among patients undergoing day case flexible cystoscopy (FC).

METHODS

Participants completed pre- and post-procedure questionnaires self-rating anxiety and feeling well informed on 5-point Likert scales. Supplemental written information was provided after FC to half the patients on a standardized template, according to randomized allocation. Comparisons between the groups were undertaken using the Wilcoxon test.

RESULTS

Two hundred patients were recruited, with 171 evaluable questionnaires (83 from written group). The distribution of age, sex and prior FC, as well as the pre-procedure self-assessment of anxiety and understanding, was similar between the two groups. Patients receiving written information reported feeling better informed, with median (range) Likert score of 5 (4-5) compared to 4 (1-5) out of 5 (p < 0.0001) and less anxious (score 1 [1-4] compared to 2 [1-5] out of 5, p < 0.005), although all except four patients had an accurate understanding of the information provided (p = NS).

CONCLUSIONS

Written information at the time of FC leads to patients feeling better informed and less anxious, although verbal information alone appears to lead to an adequate understanding.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ACTRN12616000288426.