A new study shows patients who watch an online instructional video are more apt to keep colonoscopy appointments and arrive prepared for the screening, according to a news release.
The study was conducted by gastroenterologists at the University of Chicago Medicine. They found that by showing a 30-minute web-based interactive program focusing on how a colonoscopy is performed, why preparation is necessary, and the risks and benefits of the screening to patients age 50-65, 40 percent were less likely to cancel an appointment.
"Although early detection of colon cancer can save lives, only about half of those who could benefit take advantage of this screening test," said Archita P. Desai, MD, fellow in the section of gastroenterology at the University of Chicago Medicine, in the release. "Use of this video-preparation approach could increase the number of people who complete the process. Thanks to such screening, the death rate from colorectal cancer has been dropping for more than 20 years, but there is still plenty of room for improvement."
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