Moving beyond the initial colonoscopy: a call for action.

INTRODUCTION: The evolution of colorectal screening has made headway with continual efforts globally to increase screening rates for colonoscopy-naïve patients. However, little has been done to encourage repeat colonoscopies after the initial scope despite recommendations to repeat colonoscopy every 10 years, with the uptake rates of repeat colonoscopy remaining abysmal at 22%. METHODS: Previously, a qualitative systematic review evaluated the barriers and facilitators patients faced in their decisions to undergo colonoscopy, analyzing articles from Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Web of Science. Key findings from articles which highlighted factors influencing patients' decisions to return for repeat colonoscopies were summarized. RESULTS: Three articles were identified in the search. Facilitators for repeat colonoscopy included patients' assurance garnered from fostered trust in the patient-provider relationship, their intrinsic motivations from fear of cancer and an innate appreciation for the significance of obtaining repeated colonoscopies. Procedural factors such as the option for procedural visualization, its comprehensiveness and the utilization of anesthesia were also crucial motivators. Barriers that patients highlighted comprised of cumbersome bowel preparation and potential complications. DISCUSSION: Recently, minimal research has been conducted on the sentiments of healthcare providers and patients regarding repeat colonoscopy. The lack of emphasis from healthcare institutions on encouraging patients to repeat colonoscopy after 10 years prevents effective colorectal cancer screening. To proficiently alleviate the burden of colorectal cancer, patient counseling has to shift beyond explaining colonoscopy risks and complications to promoting regular follow-up scopes. This article thus calls for more studies to focus on evaluating the uptake of repeat colonoscopies.

Afterthoughts on colonoscopy. Was it that bad?

OBJECTIVES: Colorectal cancer is among the top three most common cancers globally. In order to reduce the health burden, it is important to improve the uptake of colorectal cancer screening by understanding the barriers and facilitators encountered. There are numerous reports in the literature on the views of the general public on cancer screening. However, the experiences of colonoscopy patients are not as well studied. This paper maps their perceptions. METHODS: Keyword searches for terms such as 'colorectal', 'colonoscopy' and 'qualitative' were conducted on 3 December 2019 in five databases: Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Web of Science Core Collection. Qualitative articles that quoted colonoscopy-experienced patients with no prior history of colorectal cancer were included for the thematic analysis. The systematic review was then synthesized according to PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: The major themes were distilled into three categories: pre-procedure, during and post-procedure. The factors identified in the pre-procedure phase include the troublesome bowel preparation, poor quality of information provided and the dynamics within a support network. Perceptions of pain, emotional discomfort and the role of providers mark the experience during the procedure. The receipt of results, opportunities given for discussion and finances relating to colonoscopy are important post-procedure events. CONCLUSION: Understanding colorectal cancer screening behaviour is fundamental for healthcare providers and authorities to develop system and personal level changes for the improvement of colorectal cancer screening services. The key areas include patient comfort, the use of clearer instructional aids and graphics, establishing good patient rapport, and the availability of individualized options for sedation and the procedure.