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140 INTERCOLLEGIATE-BSG NATIONAL COLONOSCOPY (IBNC) AUDIT: THE CONSENT PROCESS PRIOR TO COLONOSCOPY AS REPORTED BY A PATIENT QUESTIONNAIRE
C.J.A. Bowles1, R. Leicester2, E. Swarbrick3, C.B. Williams4, C. Romaya5, O. Epstein1. 1Royal Free Hospital, London; 2St George's Hospital, London; 3New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton; 4St Mark's Hospital, London; 5Audit Office, B.S.G., London, UK
Introduction: Colonoscopy may be complicated by bleeding, perforation and sedation related side effects. The General Medical Council guidance on consent states that sufficient information should be provided on the purpose of a proposed investigation or treatment as well as common and serious side effects. Patients should be allowed sufficient time to reflect before making a decision. As part of the IBNC audit a patient questionnaire ascertained details of consent with regard to whether written information was provided, where consent was obtained and whether adverse effects were considered.
Results: 1200 patient questionnaires were distributed and 599 (49.9%) returned. Prior to colonoscopy 488/599 (81.5%) patients received written information. In 328/599 (54.8%), consent was obtained in the procedure room, and in 179/599 (29.9%), immediately prior to the colonoscopy but not in the procedure room. In 60/599 (10.0%), consent was obtained as an outpatient and 32/599 (5.3%) patients couldn't remember or didn't answer this question. Possible adverse events were reported by 329/599 (54.9%) patients and bleeding and perforation were specifically cited by 95/329 (28.9%) and 96/329 (29.2%) respectively. No mention of adverse events was reported by 196/599 (32.7%) of patients and 56/599 (9.3%) couldn't remember whether or not they were provided with information on possible adverse events. 18/599 (3.0%) provided no response to the question on adverse events.
Conclusion: The majority (81.5%) of patients were provided with written advice prior to colonoscopy. Contrary to the GMC advice, patients are frequently consented in the procedure room and only 54.9% of patients reported that they had …