Postal consent for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Medical Education
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Clinical risk management standards emphasize providing patients with comprehensive information on treatment risks, benefits, and alternatives before obtaining consent.
• Informed consent is a cornerstone of ethical medical practice, ensuring patients understand procedures before agreeing to them.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and patient acceptance of a mailed information and consent booklet for individuals scheduled for outpatient gastroscopy.
• To assess if a pre-procedural information booklet enhances patient understanding and consent for gastroscopy.

Main Methods:

• A booklet containing gastroscopy procedure details, personalized appointment information, and a carbonized consent form was developed.
• The booklet was mailed to patients in advance of their scheduled endoscopic procedure.
• Patient satisfaction and understanding were assessed via questionnaire.

Main Results:

• Out of 275 patients receiving the booklet, 54.5% returned the consent form by mail, with 94% of those having signed it.
• An additional 92% of remaining patients brought signed forms on the day of the procedure, with most reporting the information as "very useful" and "clear and understandable".
• The postal booklet significantly improved patient understanding prior to the gastroscopy.

Conclusions:

• A dedicated patient information booklet with an integrated consent form is a practical and well-received method for outpatient gastroscopy.
• This approach enhances patient comprehension and facilitates informed consent before endoscopic procedures.