S2963 Mind the Gender Gap: A Pilot Initiative to Match Patient Preferences for Endoscopist Gender

Introduction: Patient preference towards the gender of their endoscopist may serve as a potential barrier for colorectal cancer screening adherence based on previous studies. The aim of this pilot study is to assess if honoring endoscopist gender preference impacts patient satisfaction outcomes. Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods study over a 2-week period. Patients referred for direct access colonoscopy at a tertiary care center were asked about gender preferences prior to scheduling. A voluntary post-procedure patient survey was conducted to assess satisfaction with a 5-point Likert scale and qualitative questions. Demographic data were obtained via chart review. Qualitative and quantitative analysis was performed. Results: Of the 49 patients asked about gender preferences (25 women, mean age 55.8 ± 11.1 years), 9 patients (18.4%) expressed a preference; all women and 50% of male patients preferred a female endoscopist. Sixteen patients (32.7%) were excluded as their procedures were scheduled beyond the study time frame (including 5 patients with gender preferences); the remaining 33 patients were contacted. Of this cohort, 22 patients (12 women, mean age 57.6 ± 10.2 years) completed the survey, with 10 patients (45.5%) undergoing their first colonoscopy. Only 50% of patients recalled being asked about preference; there was no significant difference in satisfaction ratings between patients matched with their preference (4.72/5) compared to patients without preference (4.70/5). Qualitative patient responses are listed in Table 2. Patients who initially had a gender preference for their endoscopist were more likely to have a preference for future colonoscopies compared to those without an initial preference (75% vs 22%, P < 0.05). Among those who had undergone a prior colonoscopy, including both patients with (n = 2) and without a gender preference (n = 8), 66.7% reported their current procedure to be more satisfying compared to previous. Conclusion: Fewer than 20% of patients expressed a gender preference for their endoscopist; however, amongst those matched with their preference, 75% expressed a gender preference for future colonoscopies and almost a quarter of patients without an initial gender preference expressed a preference for future procedures. Over two-thirds of patients who had a previous colonoscopy reported increased satisfaction. Inquiring about patients’ gender preferences for endoscopist may improve overall satisfaction, even if patients do not express a preference.