[How to convince a patient refusing colonoscopy - a qualitative study]

Abstract

The available literature suggests that the most significant barriers to undergoing colonoscopy in general include “fear of pain and discomfort”, “fear of bowel preparation”, as well as directly unrelated influences such as “lack of support from family and friends”, “busy family and work schedules”, “other health problems” and the current “fear of getting COVID-19 in hospital”. A marital union may play a positive role, previous cancer a negative one. Another important factor is that patients are not used to talking about their barriers spontaneously; a guided conversation is a useful tool. Respondents in this qualitative study addressed these barriers as significant in their answers.

Keywords: Fear; Pain; colonoscopy; colorectal cancer; mass screening; pain; screening.