Watching Videos of Colonoscopies and Receiving Interpretations Reduce Pain and Anxiety While Increasing the Satisfaction of Patients

Abstract

Background Pain associated with colonoscopies is a major barrier to patients participating in colorectal cancer screenings. While sedation and analgesia are used to reduce pain during the procedure, they are associated with increased complications and costs. Thus, it is necessary to identity novel techniques to relieve pain in a safe and cost-effective way. Aims To test whether watching real-time videos of colonoscopies while receiving detailed interpretations of the procedures reduces pain and anxiety and increases a patient’s satisfaction. Methods Patients were randomized into three groups including a group who watched real-time videos of their colonoscopies (Group A), a group who watched real-time videos of their colonoscopies while receiving detailed interpretations of the procedures from the endoscopists (Group B), and a group who did not receive either method (Group C). Results Pain and anxiety scores were significantly (Group A vs. Group C, \(p < 0.001\); Group B vs. Group C, \(p < 0.001\)) lower in Groups A and B compared to Group C. Additionally, significantly (Group A vs. Group C, \(p = 0.008\); Group B vs. Group C, \(p < 0.001\)) increased satisfaction was observed in Groups A and B compared to Group C. There were no statistically significant differences observed in the pain and anxiety scores when comparing Groups A and B. However, the overall satisfaction score was significantly (\(p = 0.02\)) higher in Group B compared to Group A. Conclusions Real-time videos of colonoscopies as well as videos along with detailed interpretations of the procedures decrease pain and anxiety while improving satisfaction in patients undergoing colonoscopies without sedation. Videos combined with interpretations lead to a greater increase in patient satisfaction.