Impact of an information video before colonoscopy on patient satisfaction and anxiety

Anxiety is a common problem in patients undergoing invasive medical procedures. Colonoscopy is a demanding procedure and requires a patient's good cooperation for successful results. We aimed to examine the effects of adding an information video to our usual preprocedural information.

A total of 227 patients were assessed in this study (120 male, 107 female). The patients were divided into two groups as video (n=124) or verbal (n=103). When the patients in the polyclinic with indications for colonoscopy were selected, a text about the procedure and related complications was given to them. A colonoscopy appointment was scheduled for the patients 3-4 weeks following the procedure. On the appointment day, the patients selected randomly in groups of 10 as either verbal or video sections were taken into the communication room 1-5 hours before the procedure. The patients' anxiety was measured afterwards using the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory questionnaire. In addition, patients answered individual questions. After the colonoscopy, the patients were asked if they would undergo colonoscopy again for health reasons and whether the procedure was similar to, better, or worse than they had expected (following the information sessions).

It was noted in univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses that low State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State levels (p≤0.001 and p=0.016, respectively) and communication by video (p<0.001, p=0.007, respectively) had a significant impact on communication success.

An information video shown to patients preparing for colonoscopy had an impact on the success of the procedure and on anxiety.