Benchmarking patient experiences in colonoscopy using the Global Rating Scale

Jerome Sint Nicolaas, Vincent Jonge, Ida Korfage, F ter Borg, JT Brouwer, Djuna Cahen, Wilco Lesterhuis, RJT Ouwendijk, Ernst Kuipers, M Leerdam

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Abstract

Introduction: The Global Rating Scale (GRS) is a quality assurance program that was developed in England to assess patient-centered care in endoscopy. The aim of the current study was to evaluate patient experiences of colonoscopy using the GRS in order to compare different departments and to provide benchmarks. The study also evaluated factors associated with patient satisfaction. Methods: A GRS questionnaire was used both before and after the procedure in outpatients undergoing colonoscopy. The questionnaire assessed the processes associated with the colonoscopy, from making the appointment up until discharge. Mean values and ranges of 12 endoscopy departments were calculated together with P values in order to assess heterogeneity. Results: In total, 1904 pre-procedure and 1532 (80%) post-procedure questionnaires were returned from 12 endoscopy departments. The mean time patients had to wait for their procedure was 4.3 weeks (range 3.1-5.8 weeks), and 54% (range 35-64%; P < 0.001) reported being given a choice of appointment dates/times. Discomfort during colonoscopy was reported by 20% (range 8-40%; P < 0.001). Recovery room privacy was satisfactory for 76% of patients (range 66-90%; P < 0.05). The majority of patients re Conclusion: Overall patient experiences with colonoscopy were satisfactory, but they also showed considerable variation. This study shows that use of a GRS patient questionnaire is feasible in the Dutch endoscopy setting for the assessment of patient experience. The significant variability between endoscopy units can be used to benchmark services and enable shortcomings to be identified.
Original languageUndefined/Unknown
Pages (from-to)462-469
Number of pages8
JournalEndoscopy
Volume44
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012

Research programs

  • EMC MM-04-20-01
  • EMC NIHES-02-65-01

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