A Video Decision Aid Decreases Fear of Colonoscopy After an Abnormal Fecal Immunochemical Test Result: A Pilot Study

Colonoscopy completion after abnormal fecal immunochemical test (FIT) results is inadequate, and patient fear is a commonly reported barrier. We developed and piloted a video decision aid that addresses fear of colonoscopy among patients with abnormal FIT results. We developed a video decision aid and, in a pilot study, randomized patients in a safety-net healthcare system with abnormal FIT results and no follow-up colonoscopy to the intervention or usual care. Both groups completed a baseline survey that measured fear of colonoscopy, knowledge about colorectal cancer (CRC), self-efficacy, and intent to complete a colonoscopy, and the intervention group repeated the survey after watching the video. Sixty patients were enrolled in the study. Participants that watched the video reported a 17.7% decrease in fear of colonoscopy (p < 0.01) across six domains, including fear of the bowel prep (p < 0.01), the actual colonoscopy procedure (p < 0.01), and possible complications from the procedure (p = 0.04). Participant CRC knowledge also increased across several measures, including a 43.5% decrease in the belief that it is difficult to know which CRC prevention recommendations to follow. Overall, 78.3% of participants found the video to be helpful, and 90.6% would recommend the video to other patients with abnormal FIT results. In a safety-net population with abnormal FIT results, a video decision aid decreased fear of colonoscopy and increased knowledge about CRC. The video decision aid was acceptable to participants and can be considered an additional tool to improve follow-up of abnormal FIT results.