Abstract Background The aim of the project was to assess the level of anxiety among patients attending an IBD surveillance colonoscopy as well as their views on the bowel preparation, their understanding of the purpose of the procedure and their perceived risk of colorectal cancer. We hypothesised that there is a link between the anxious state and the perceived risk of colon cancer. Methods Questionnaires were conducted immediately pre-endoscopy. Anxiety was assessed quantitatively using the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)(1) as well as through qualitative feedback. Tolerance of bowel preparation was also assessed through a combination of qualitative and quantitative assessment, including a visual analogue scale (VAS 0=worst to 100=best). Perceived risk of colorectal cancer in the next ten years was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS 0 to 100% risk). Results A total of 42 patients participated. 38% of respondents reported feeling anxious about their colonoscopy however the mean STAI score for the cohort was relatively low (STAI score 34 SD=11.6) being comparable to normal working adults (mean STAI=35)(1). 45% reported anxiety regarding bowel preparation and 33% felt they tolerated it poorly (VAS ≤50). 100% of respondents reported that the purpose of surveillance had been explained to them, however only 10% of respondents mentioned the word "cancer" when asked to clarify their understanding of this. The range of cancer risk perception over the next ten years was 0% to 70% risk, and the median was 0.9% (SD=24). There was no correlation between STAI scores and perceived cancer risk (Pearson correlation coefficient (r) = 0.43). Conclusion IBD patients attending surveillance colonoscopy have low levels of anxiety and lower than those attending colorectal cancer screening (mean STAI=45)(2). There is a wide range of perceived colorectal cancer risk and our results suggest there is an opportunity for patient education on the purpose of surveillance and estimates of their risk of colorectal cancer. There is no correlation between anxiety and perceived cancer risk in our cohort. Bowel preparation is a common cause of anxiety and a third of patients tolerate it poorly. Approaches to address this would have a significant benefit on patient experience in IBD surveillance endoscopy. References (1)Spielberger, C. D., Gorsuch, R. L., Lushene, R., Vagg, P. R., & Jacobs, G. A. (1983). Manual for the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press (2)Shaikh AA, Hussain SM, Rahn S, Desilets DJ. Effect of an educational pamphlet on colon cancer screening: a randomized, prospective trial. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2010 Apr;22(4):444-9. doi: 10.1097/MEG.0b013e328333fca6. PMID: 19940781.
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