Patient preference and acceptance with sodium phosphate tablet preparation for colonoscopy

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Colonoscopy is crucial for colorectal cancer screening and prevention.
• Patient acceptance is limited by the large volume and unpleasant taste of traditional polyethylene glycol (PEG) preparations.
• Improving patient experience is key to increasing colonoscopy adherence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess patient preference for a novel sodium phosphate (NaP) tablet preparation compared to standard 4-liter PEG solution.
• To evaluate patient acceptance and willingness to reuse the NaP tablet preparation for future colonoscopies.

Main Methods:

• A study involving patients who had previously undergone colonoscopy with 4-liter PEG preparation.
• Participants completed a preprocedural questionnaire assessing their preference for NaP tablets versus PEG solution.
• The primary outcome was patient preference for the NaP tablet preparation.

Main Results:

• 66% of participants (35 out of 53) preferred the NaP tablet preparation over the 4-liter PEG solution.
• A majority expressed willingness to use NaP tablets again for future colonoscopies.
• Many patients desired a choice of preparation methods for subsequent procedures.

Conclusions:

• The NaP tablet preparation is preferred by a significant majority of patients who have previously used 4-liter PEG solutions.
• This finding suggests that NaP tablets may enhance patient compliance with colonoscopy preparation.
• Offering preparation choices could improve overall patient satisfaction with colonoscopy procedures.