The effect of an information brochure on patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy: a randomized controlled study.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to test the potential beneficial effects of an information brochure on undergoing a gastrointestinal endoscopy for the first time. The information provided was based on self-regulation theory, and patients could restrict themselves to reading the summary only.


METHODS
Patients were randomly assigned to an experimental group receiving the brochure at least 1 day before the gastroscopy (N=47), or to a control group not receiving the brochure (N=48).


RESULTS
The results show that all experimental subjects, except one, fully read the brochure. Those receiving the brochure experienced less anxiety before the gastroscopy and, afterwards, they reported greater satisfaction with the preparation for it. With regard to coping style there were some small moderating effects into the direction expected: low blunters (those not seeking distraction under impending threat) as compared to high blunters showed extra reduced anxiety after reading the brochure. They also tended to read the brochure more often. High monitors (those seeking information under impending threat) receiving the brochure showed reduced anxiety during the gastroscopy as compared to low monitors (tendency).


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that providing patients with the developed brochure constitutes an efficient, beneficial intervention.


CONCLUSIONS
The brochure could easily be implemented in standard practice without the necessity to take the patient's coping style into account.
van Zuuren
Florence J
FJ
University of Amsterdam, Department of Clinical Psychology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Grypdonck
Mieke
M
Crevits
Eveline
E
Vande Walle
Cressy
C
Defloor
Tom
T
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001007:Anxiety / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001530:Belgium; D005260:Female; D005773:Gastroscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006769:Hospitals, General; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010174:Pamphlets; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D010551:Personality; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D013664:Teaching Materials / Q000592:standards*