Abstract
Background In the United States, patients wear a one-piece, reusable cloth gown during colonoscopy procedures. Many patients report embarrassment related to bodily exposure during colonoscopy. This may limit participation in colorectal cancer screening programs. Aims To assess whether the use of a novel, disposable patient garment (Privacy Pants, Jackson, MS), which increases patient coverage, can reduce embarrassment related to bodily exposure and increase colonoscopy acceptance rates. Methods Patients were offered a novel gown, and they completed questionnaires before and after colonoscopy. Results A total of 120 patients participated. 54% were female and 82% were Caucasian. The novel gown had high overall satisfaction (8.3) and was associated with a sense of respect during the procedure (9.4). 67% (80) of the patients had a prior colonoscopy, and of these, 76% would request a novel gown over a traditional gown for future procedures. Among all study participants, a high rate of acceptability for repeat colonoscopy if recommended by their doctors was reported (mean of 9.4). Nonwhites were more likely to have a concern for embarrassment addressed by using novel gowns as compared to whites (P value 0.02). Conclusion All participants, particularly women and nonwhite participants, reported high rates of respect and satisfaction and decrease in embarrassment utilizing the novel gown during colonoscopy. Patients who had prior colonoscopy with a traditional gown preferred the novel garment. A novel procedure gown may enhance colonoscopy acceptance by minimizing embarrassment.
Highlights
15 million colonoscopy procedures are performed annually in the United States, most commonly as an outpatient procedure
Exposure may be uncomfortable for endoscopy staff
The average score was 6.8 when patients were asked whether they felt that the novel garment provided physical privacy during colonoscopy
Summary
15 million colonoscopy procedures are performed annually in the United States, most commonly as an outpatient procedure. In the United States, patients wear a one-piece, reusable cloth gown during colonoscopy procedures. Many patients report embarrassment related to bodily exposure during colonoscopy. This may limit participation in colorectal cancer screening programs. To assess whether the use of a novel, disposable patient garment (Privacy Pants, Jackson, MS), which increases patient coverage, can reduce embarrassment related to bodily exposure and increase colonoscopy acceptance rates. A high rate of acceptability for repeat colonoscopy if recommended by their doctors was reported (mean of 9.4). Women and nonwhite participants, reported high rates of respect and satisfaction and decrease in embarrassment utilizing the novel gown during colonoscopy. A novel procedure gown may enhance colonoscopy acceptance by minimizing embarrassment
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have