Patient-reported experience in device-assisted enteroscopy: conscious sedation versus general anaesthesia

Key Takeaways for GI Nurses

• Patient-reported experience data provides valuable insights into sedation preferences for device-assisted enteroscopy procedures, informing pre-procedure discussions and care planning
• Understanding differences in patient experience between conscious sedation and general anesthesia can help optimize sedation selection and improve patient satisfaction outcomes
• This research emphasizes the importance of incorporating patient perspectives into procedural decision-making, particularly for complex procedures like balloon-assisted enteroscopy
• Findings may influence unit protocols for sedation selection criteria and patient education approaches for device-assisted enteroscopy procedures

Clinical Relevance

Device-assisted enteroscopy procedures, including single-balloon, double-balloon, and spiral enteroscopy, present unique challenges for both patients and nursing staff due to their extended duration and technical complexity. The choice between conscious sedation and general anesthesia significantly impacts the nursing workflow, monitoring requirements, and overall patient experience. This research provides evidence-based insights that can guide multidisciplinary teams in making informed sedation decisions tailored to individual patient needs and preferences.

From a nursing practice perspective, understanding patient-reported experiences with different sedation approaches enhances our ability to provide comprehensive pre-procedure education and set appropriate expectations. Endoscopy nurses play a crucial role in patient advocacy and comfort optimization, making this comparative analysis particularly valuable for developing individualized care plans. The findings may also influence staffing considerations, monitoring protocols, and recovery room management strategies, as general anesthesia typically requires different nursing interventions compared to conscious sedation.

Additionally, this patient-centered research aligns with current healthcare quality initiatives emphasizing patient experience metrics and shared decision-making. GI nurses can leverage these findings to strengthen patient counseling conversations, helping patients make informed choices about their procedural care while considering factors such as anxiety levels, previous sedation experiences, and personal preferences alongside clinical indications.

Bottom Line

This study's focus on patient-reported experiences in device-assisted enteroscopy provides GI nurses with valuable evidence to enhance patient counseling and sedation planning discussions, ultimately supporting more personalized care approaches that balance clinical outcomes with patient comfort and satisfaction preferences during these technically demanding procedures.