Most patients do not have an endoscopist sex preference
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
Patients were more likely to express preference for a same-sex endoscopy team member than a same-sex endoscopist, according to survey results published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology.
“Despite well-published guidelines from various societies, there is still lack of adherence to screening protocols from patients because of various reasons. One of the barriers to undergoing colonoscopy, particularly among women, has been the endoscopists’ gender,” Harshit S. Khara, MD, FACG, FASGE, Geisinger Health System, and colleagues wrote. “Ultimately, addressing these barriers to endoscopy may lead to increased colorectal cancer screening compliance.”
In a prospective, multicenter study, researchers aimed to identify and compare endoscopist sex preferences among patients presenting at endoscopy centers prior to procedure. Among 2,138 respondents (57% women; mean age, 57.1 years), 89% of respondents did not have an endoscopist sex preference while 8% of respondents reported a same-sex preference and 2% of respondents preferred an endoscopist of the opposite sex.
While men were more likely to prefer a same sex endoscopist compared with women (91% vs. 67%), women were more likely to prefer a same sex endoscopy team member (6% vs. 26%). Researchers noted most patients – regardless of sex or gender – preferred a same sex endoscopy team member compared with a same sex endoscopist (17% vs. 8%). Of the patients who had an endoscopist sex preference, 41% were more likely to follow-up for repeat procedures, 31% were willing to wait longer and 42% would pay more for their preferred sex. Avoided colonoscopy for lack of a patient’s preferred sex was reported among 27% of patients.
“Improving endoscopist gender transparency and creating an environment of multigender endoscopy teams may raise CRC screening,” Khara concluded. “Additional research in the implementation and success of such measures is warranted. Ultimately, addressing patients’ attitudes and beliefs tailored to age-related and regional differences may be paramount in improving overall CRC screening adherence.”
Editors note: The title of this article has been updated to present a more accurate depiction of this report.
Collapse
Read more about
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts