Dissatisfaction with consent for diagnostic gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Patient Education
• Informed Consent

Background:

• Patient perspectives on information received before diagnostic gastrointestinal endoscopy are not well understood.
• Current consent policy involves an information leaflet followed by an in-person explanation.
• Consent forms are signed immediately before the procedure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess patient perception and satisfaction with the amount of information provided before diagnostic endoscopy.
• To identify factors influencing patient satisfaction with pre-procedure information.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire survey was administered to patients undergoing diagnostic endoscopy.
• 175 questionnaires were distributed, and 127 were returned for analysis.

Main Results:

• 97% of patients read the information leaflet, but only 52% read the consent form before signing.
• 51% of patients were dissatisfied, desiring more information, while 3% wanted less.
• Dissatisfaction was significantly higher in patients who did not read the consent form (p < 0.001) and those with some formal education (p = 0.01).

Conclusions:

• Patients who do not read the consent form report higher dissatisfaction with the information provided.
• Improving the rate at which patients read the consent form could enhance overall patient satisfaction.