Factors influencing the patient experience of gastrointestinal endoscopic ultrasound: a Swedish cross-sectional study

Abstract Introduction Although the technical and diagnostic quality of gastrointestinal endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has been thoroughly studied, research on the patient experiences of EUS remains limited. This study aimed to identify factors influencing the patient’s experience of EUS performed during conscious sedation. Materials and methods Between September 2020 and December 2021, a cross sectional study was conducted at a high-volume, tertiary endoscopy centre in western Sweden. All outpatients aged > 18 years who underwent EUS were eligible for inclusion. Participants completed a study-specific questionnaire for Patient-Reported Experience Measures (PREM), assessing pre-procedure anxiety, procedure pain, and discomfort of EUS, using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Patient- and procedure related factors were analysed in relation to VAS scores as predictors of patient experience. Results A total of 306 patients (median age 69 years; 163 women) were included. PREM indicated care as dignified and respectful. Median VAS scores were pre procedure anxiety, 24 (IQR 7–55); procedural pain, 7 (IQR 3–18); and procedural discomfort, 10 (IQR 3–22). A previous negative endoscopy experience was the strongest predictor of higher preprocedural anxiety, followed by female gender. These factors were also common among patients reporting higher levels of procedural pain and discomfort. Conclusion In general, routine EUS is well tolerated by patients with minimal pain and discomfort during conscious sedation. However, previous negative experiences and female gender were associated with higher pre-procedure anxiety and greater procedural discomfort. These findings stress the importance of personalized care, where patients at increased risk should be offered tailored information and supportive strategies. Graphical abstract