[Structure and quality of German-language gastroscopy information forms from the patients' viewpoint]

Information about procedure and risks is prerequisite for obtaining informed consent for endoscopy. This prospective and randomized investigation evaluated (i) the extent of patients' information needs and (ii) the formal quality (language, ease of understanding, length, figures etc.) of three information forms concerning upper CI-endoscopy issued in 1995 by DIOmed (1), perimed compliance (2), and PERIMED-spitta (3) as judged by the patients. (iii) Outcome quality was investigated as the influence of these forms on understanding why and how endoscopy was performed as well as the influence on feeling threatened. Furthermore patients' anxiety was assessed by using Spielberger's state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI). 218 patients completed the investigation (n = 73; 70; 75, respectively). 60% claimed the need for a detailed explanation of the planned endoscopy and 48% said they wanted exhaustive informations about potential complications and risks. The three forms (length 819, 771, 1,245 words) were entirely read by 87%, 89% and 82% of the patients. Positive language, adequate length (69%, 69%, 71%) and adequate layout were evenly attributed to the three forms. A high impact of the figures for understanding was found more frequently (48%, 46%, 35%) with (1) and (2) and language war regarded easy by 57%, 54% and 44%, respectively. Flesh's reading ease score, however, proved a sophisticated niveau of language with all three forms. The indication for endoscopy (37%, 49%, 56%) and explanation of performance (43%, 43%, 63%) was superior with (3). This form also reduced anxiety as judged by STAI-means, overall STAI-changes, and relevant changes (> or = 5 points). Form (2) increased patients' anxiety.

While the formal quality of all information forms is appreciated by patients both their reading ease score and figures should be improved. A significant reduction of anxiety can be achieved by appropriate selection of the information material.