Improving information given to patients before endoscopy: a regional audit.

Area of Science:

• Medical Auditing
• Patient Education
• Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Background:

• Patient information leaflets are crucial for informed consent before endoscopy.
• Existing leaflets often lack comprehensive details, potentially impacting patient preparedness and satisfaction.
• Standardization of information is needed to ensure consistent patient education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess and improve the quality of information provided to patients undergoing endoscopy.
• To establish a benchmark standard for endoscopy information leaflets.
• To evaluate the impact of a quality improvement audit on patient information.

Main Methods:

• A multi-center audit involving 16 endoscopy units in the Northern region.
• Development of a 12-item standard for endoscopy information leaflets.
• Comparison of existing leaflets against the standard and provision of feedback.
• Repeat audit after six months to assess changes in leaflet content.

Main Results:

• Initial audit revealed leaflets contained only 35% of standard items, with significant omissions (risks, follow-up, results, diabetes advice, contact numbers).
• After six months, 11 of 13 responding units revised their leaflets.
• The revised leaflets included 80% of the standard items, demonstrating substantial improvement.

Conclusions:

• A simple audit process can effectively enhance the comprehensiveness of patient information leaflets for endoscopy.
• Improved patient information can lead to better understanding and preparedness for endoscopic procedures.
• The audit highlighted specific areas needing attention, such as procedural risks and follow-up details.