A Survey of Potential Adherence to Capsule Colonoscopy in Patients Who Have Accepted or Declined Conventional Colonoscopy

Background: Capsule colonoscopy might improve adherence to colorectal cancer screening. Objective: Measure attractiveness of capsule colonoscopy in patients who have declined conventional colonoscopy, using patients who have undergone colonoscopy as a control group. Design: Internet-based survey. Setting: United States. Subjects: A total of 308 geographically diverse, high school or higher educated, middle to upper income, insured internet users who had been offered colonoscopy previously. Interventions: Survey. Main Outcome Measurements: Preferences for colonoscopy, capsule colonoscopy, fecal occult blood test, or no screening. Results: After a description of capsule technology features relative to colonoscopy, including no need for a ride, no time off work, approximately 5% less accurate, booster preparation needed, and follow-up colonoscopy needed in 20% of patients, preference for capsule colonoscopy was shown by 24% of those who had undergone colonoscopy and 49% of those who had not. No need for a ride and no time off work were considered positive features of capsule colonoscopy. The potential to undergo capsule colonoscopy during the weekend was also considered attractive. Limitations: Restricted population. Conclusions: The availability of capsule colonoscopy could potentially increase colorectal cancer screening adherence rates among patients who decline screening colonoscopy.