Preparation for gastroscopy and colonoscopy improved

Gastroscopy and colonoscopy preparation improved

A gastroscopy is a visual examination of the stomach, a colonoscopy is a visual examination of the intestines. Both studies can only proceed if patients have a clean, empty stomach or intestines.

In order to avoid having to send patients home, a number of improvements have been made to the preparation process. Lisette Wiegers, department manager, explains: ‘From now on we will inform the patient about the examination before the preparatory meeting takes place. In addition, the nurse already knows a lot about the patient because the questionnaire has been completed in advance’.

New situation

The preparation for a gastroscopy and a colonoscopy is divided into several steps:

1. Patients receive an invitation to complete a questionnaire.
2. As part of completing the questionnaire, patients watch preparation videos on the Tergooi MC website in which we explain the research.
3. During the preparatory meeting at the outpatient clinic or via a video consultation via BeterDichtbij, there is more time to answer personal questions from patients.
4. In the days prior to the study, patients receive various messages via BeterDichtbij. In this we explain step by step what is needed to get clean and empty intestines, such as laxatives.

Thanks to the new preparation, the patient already knows what to expect during the examination. This is pleasant for the patient, the accompanying person and the nurse.