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Survey Reveals Patient Concerns Over Colonoscopy Prep, Barriers to Procedure
More than half of US adults who had a colonoscopy in past 5 years said they wish they knew more information before their first procedure.
Findings of a recent survey of US adults aged 45 years and older highlight patient perspectives on colonoscopies and barriers that prevent them from undergoing the procedure.
The survey of 506 adults—including 302 who had a colonoscopy in the past 5 years and 204 who did not—showed that 58% of the respondents who previously had a colonoscopy report wishing they knew more information before their first procedure, including prep medication options and how to prepare for the procedure.
Also, 78% of all participants said they rely on their health care provider for more information about colonoscopies and the preparation process. Notably, 73% of the cohort said their physician recommended they receive a colonoscopy; however, only 34% of all participants said their physician discussed the different prep medication options with them.
The survey was conducted online from December 7-15, 2023, by The Harris Poll on behalf of Salix Pharmaceuticals. Survey participants were selected from among individuals who agreed to participate in The Harris Poll surveys.
“The findings from this survey underscore the need for greater communication and knowledge-sharing between healthcare providers and their patients about the colonoscopy preparation process,” Nicola Kayel, senior vice president, marketing, Bausch Health, said in a press release. “Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States, and colonoscopy screening is a critical tool in helping detect colon cancer. These insights help us deliver on our goal to provide doctors with resources and solutions to address patient concerns.”
Results also showed that among the 302 people who had a colonoscopy in the past 5 years, 65% said that the preparation was worse than the actual procedure, according to the press release.
In addition, less than one-third, just 30%, of all participants described themselves as feeling prepared and 58% reported having negative feelings about preparing for the procedure. Moreover, 84% of all survey respondents said the amount of colonoscopy prep medication liquid they must consume is important or somewhat important to them.
Additional omnibus research was conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Salix among 2058 adults aged 18 years and older and showed that 77% of people who have not had a colonoscopy in the past 5 years would like more information before having their first procedure.
Reference: New survey finds more than half of past U.S. colonoscopy patients wish they had known more information about colonoscopies including prep medication options and how to prepare for the procedure. News release. Bausch Health Companies. March 5, 2024. Accessed October 28, 2024. https://ir.bauschhealth.com/news-releases/2024/03-05-2024
