Patient Perspectives on Colonoscopies: Daily Dose

Patient Care brings primary care clinicians a lot of medical news every day—it’s easy to miss an important study. The Daily Dose provides a concise summary of one of the website's leading stories you may not have seen.

On October 25, 2024, we reported on findings of a recent survey that highlighted patient perspectives on colonoscopies and barriers that prevent them from undergoing the procedure.

The study

The survey included 506 US adults aged 45 years and older, of whom 302 had a colonoscopy in the past 5 years and 204 who did not. 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

• 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.

• 78% of all participants said they rely on their health care provider for more information about colonoscopies and the preparation process.

• 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.

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