The challenge for first-time colonoscopy patients
First-time colonoscopy patients often arrive anxious and unsure about the procedure. They worry about how the procedure will be performed and the possible results. The challenge for the organization was to reduce patient anxiety and improve education about what to expect before, during and after a colonoscopy.
Reducing patient anxiety through multimedia
Researchers conducted a randomized controlled study investigating the impact of an interactive web-based multimedia program on patient anxiety, perception and knowledge of colonoscopy. Fifty-one patients were given DHMC’s standard printed pre-procedure colonoscopy packet, while 52 patients watched the web-based Emmi colonoscopy program, in addition to receiving the same packet. On the day of the colonoscopy, prior to the procedure, participants in both groups were asked to fill out a survey to assess their knowledge of colonoscopy, their emotional state prior to the procedure and their understanding of potential outcomes. The average procedure time and amount of pain medication administered were also measured.
The result for patients who viewed Emmi
Patients who viewed the Emmi® colonoscopy program prior to their procedure had decreased anxiety, lower sedation medication requirements and shorter procedure times, compared with those who only received the standard printed pre-procedure packet. Researchers concluded the Emmi program not only increased patient knowledge and comfort levels, but may also lead to increased organizational efficiency and lower costs by saving staff time by allowing lower doses of sedative medications to be used.
