Fears and pre-colonoscopy anxiety: a scoping review.

Key Takeaways for GI Nurses

• Pre-colonoscopy anxiety is a significant and well-documented phenomenon that requires systematic nursing assessment and intervention strategies
• Patient fears about colonoscopy procedures are multifaceted and may include concerns about pain, embarrassment, procedure findings, and bowel preparation experiences
• Understanding the scope and nature of pre-procedure anxiety can help nurses develop targeted patient education and support protocols
• Evidence-based approaches to managing colonoscopy-related fears should be integrated into standard pre-procedure nursing care pathways

Clinical Relevance

This scoping review provides valuable insight into a challenge that every endoscopy nurse encounters regularly: helping patients manage their anxiety and fears before colonoscopy procedures. The comprehensive examination of existing literature offers nurses a broader understanding of the psychological barriers patients face, which directly impacts procedure success, patient satisfaction, and overall quality of care. By recognizing that pre-colonoscopy anxiety is not just a minor concern but a legitimate clinical issue requiring attention, nurses can better advocate for appropriate interventions and support measures.

The findings have immediate implications for endoscopy unit operations and nursing practice protocols. Units can use this evidence to justify implementing structured anxiety assessment tools, developing standardized patient education materials that address common fears, and training staff on therapeutic communication techniques specific to colonoscopy concerns. This research also supports the need for adequate pre-procedure consultation time and may influence scheduling practices to allow for proper patient preparation and anxiety management.

From a professional development perspective, this review reinforces the critical role that endoscopy nurses play in the psychological care of patients, not just the technical aspects of procedure support. It emphasizes the need for ongoing education about patient psychology, communication skills, and evidence-based comfort measures that can improve patient outcomes and procedure efficiency.

Bottom Line

Pre-colonoscopy anxiety is a well-established clinical concern that endoscopy nurses are uniquely positioned to address through evidence-based assessment, education, and intervention strategies. This scoping review validates what experienced GI nurses already know—that addressing patient fears and anxiety is not just compassionate care, but essential nursing practice that can significantly impact procedure success, patient compliance with screening recommendations, and overall unit effectiveness.