A randomized control study of audio versus visual distraction to reduce patient discomfort during colonoscopy

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Colonoscopy can cause discomfort and anxiety in patients. Heavy sedation as premedication can lead to complications in elderly and those with co-morbidities. This has led to possible use of audio-visual distraction during the procedure. We compared effects of audio versus visual distraction in reducing discomfort during colonoscopy. METHOD: 131 consecutive patients who underwent colonoscopy were randomized into three groups: allowed to listen to music of their choice during colonoscopy (AD), allowed to watch a film of their choice (VD) and neither as control (C). Patient controlled sedation (PCS) was administered to all three groups; 25 mg pethidine in 5 mg aliquots and 2.5 mg midazolam in 0.5 mg aliquots. All patients were assessed for pain, number of 'top-ups' of sedation, total dose of pethidine and midazolam and patient cooperation and willingness for a repeat procedure. RESULTS: There were 131 patients (AD=43; VD=44; O44). The AD group had significantly less pain and discomfort (p=0.033) compared to VD and Cgroups. There was no significant difference in number of 'top-ups' of sedation, total doses of pethidine and midazolam among the groups. Better patient cooperation (p=0.002) was evident in ADgroup compared with VD and C groups. There was nt> difference between the AD and VD groups in willingness to undergo a repeat procedure. CONCLUSION: Listening to music of your choice during colonoscopy seems to reduce pain and discomfort and increase the patients' cooperation. This may be a useful and simple tool in screening colonoscopy.