Physician-patient and patient-family communication after colonoscopy

A personal or family history of colorectal adenomas increases the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). We aimed to compare physicians' communication with polyp patients vs. non-polyp patients, assess whether polyps or CRC family history were associated with physician-patient communication, and describe patients' disclosure of colonoscopy and polyp diagnosis to their relatives.

Four hundred nine patients completed an online survey regarding physician-patient communication of colonoscopy results, perceived personal and familial risk of polyps and CRC, and disclosure of colonoscopy results to relatives.

Six percent of participants reported that their physicians discussed familial risks. Polyp diagnosis and family history predicted physician-patient discussions about familial CRC risks. Polyp diagnosis predicted physician-patient discussions of future surveillance. Twenty-two percent of patients told none of their relatives that they had a colonoscopy. Family history, gender, and education were associated with patient-family communication.

There is room for improvement in physician-patient and patient-family communication following colonoscopy.