Patient experience surrounding bronchoscopy

Fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) is a commonly performed procedure in thoracic medicine associated with significant discomfort, which greatly impacts patient satisfaction with the procedure. The UK DoH and BTS stress the benefits of collecting and reviewing patient experiences of a service and how this information should shape service provision. In this current study we assess a number of tolerance and satisfaction related factors in 108 consecutive patients undergoing FOB. We demonstrate a highly significant relationship between patient reported comfort and complete amnesia of FOB. We fail to demonstrate a relationship between patient reported comfort during FOB and the bronchoscopist’s assessment of tolerance. We also suggest a relationship between poorer patient reported comfort and a lower WHO performance status. The identification of factors associated with satisfaction with FOB will allow creation of strategies to improve patient experience and lead to better outcomes.