Patients' satisfaction: an important factor in quality control of gastroscopies

Scand J Gastroenterol. 2008 Aug;43(8):1004-11. doi: 10.1080/00365520801958592.

Abstract

Objective: Although oesophagogastroduodenoscopies (OGDs) are associated with few medical complications, substantial pre-procedural anxiety and discomfort during the procedure have been reported. The aims of the present study were to evaluate OGD-related discomfort assessed by the patient and to identify the possibilities for improvement.

Material and methods: All outpatients undergoing OGDs at a single centre during 2004 were eligible for the study. On site, the endoscopy team completed a questionnaire on age of patients, gender and the use of sedation/anaesthesia. After the examination, the patients were given a questionnaire focusing on discomfort during and after the examination. The questionnaire was to be completed at home the following day and returned in a prepaid envelope.

Results: During the study period, 1283 examinations were registered, giving 92% coverage of OGDs. The patient response rate was 80%. Patients' mean age was 55 years, and 45% were men. The sedation rate was 7.3%. None or only slight discomfort was experienced by 68% of the patients and severe discomfort by 14%. In patients, the odds ratio (OR) for experiencing moderate or severe discomfort decreased with increasing age (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.95-0.97, p < 0.001). There were significant differences in patient discomfort depending on the level of experience of the endoscopists.

Conclusions: The majority of patients reported no or only slight discomfort during the examination, but as many as 32% did not. Increased use of sedation in selected patients is recommended. Our quality assurance program included a limited number of variables for registration, with satisfactory compliance by endoscopists and patients.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anesthesia / methods
  • Anesthesia / standards
  • Female
  • Gastroscopy / psychology*
  • Gastroscopy / standards*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Satisfaction*
  • Quality Assurance, Health Care / methods*
  • Stomach Diseases / diagnosis
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult