Acceptability of endoscopic procedures and patients' willingness to repeat them: a single-centre nursing study of influential factors

Abstract

Background: Patient satisfaction and factors that influence it have become an important indicator of the quality of digestive endoscopy. Aims: This study aimed to define variables that make endoscopic procedures acceptable and those that predispose patients to repeat them under the same conditions. Methods: Consecutive outpatients undergoing endoscopic examinations completed questionnaires, administered by the nursing staff, before and after the procedure. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression models were designed to investigate independent variables associated with the following outcomes of interest. Findings: Most patients experienced pain and anxiety before and during the procedure, considered the procedure unacceptable and felt unwilling to repeat it. Conclusion: Symptoms strictly related to the patient, specifically anxiety and pain and type of sedation received, were the main factors related to satisfaction and willingness to repeat the procedure under the same conditions.