Patient Engagement Quells Colonoscopy Fears

By Scott Westcott, Contributing Writer

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center uses Web-based video programming to educate and engage colonoscopy patients, which is calming their nerves and saving the hospital time and money.

Few medical appointments evoke more anxiety than the dreaded colonoscopy.

The procedure is recommended for anyone over the age of 50 to screen for colon cancer, yet some patients aren’t keen on what they perceive as an embarrassing or downright scary experience.

Indeed, medical practitioners say fear and uncertainty often prevent people from scheduling and undergoing a colonoscopy. A CDC study found that 28 percent of people over the age of 50 have not been screened for colon cancer, largely due to concerns about the preparation and the actual procedure.