Patients' Experiences Before, During, and After a Colonoscopy Procedure: A Qualitative Study

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Patient Experience Research
• Qualitative Health Research

Background:

• Colonoscopy is a common medical procedure with significant diagnostic and therapeutic potential.
• Limited research exists on the subjective patient experience of undergoing a colonoscopy.
• Patient tolerance and positive experiences are crucial for adherence and effective outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore adult patients' experiences of undergoing a colonoscopy.
• To investigate patient perspectives before, during, and after the procedure.
• To identify key factors influencing patient satisfaction and well-being during colonoscopy.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study design.
• Individual interviews conducted with a purposeful sample of 24 adult patients.
• Thematic analysis used to analyze interview data.

Main Results:

• Four major themes emerged: 'making up one's mind' (information gathering, emotional reflection, motivation by hope for clarification), 'getting ready' (focus on self-care, challenges with instructions and cleansing), 'going through' (importance of feeling involved and respected during the procedure), and 'finally over' (relief, tiredness, desire for clarity).
• Patient experiences are highly individual.
• Healthcare professionals' ability to meet patient needs is vital.

Conclusions:

• Patient experiences of colonoscopy encompass distinct phases, each with unique emotional and practical challenges.
• Effective communication and patient-centered care, particularly during the procedure, are essential for a positive colonoscopy experience.
• Findings provide a nuanced understanding of patient perspectives, informing improvements in colonoscopy care delivery.