The effect of different preparation information on side effects following colonoscopy

Interventions: Brief name: Comparison of effect of standard information vs. standard information plus nocebo explanation on side effect reporting after colonoscopy.
Participants (routine outpatients receiving first colonoscopy at Auckland City Hospital) who are randomised into the intervention group will receive a standard consultation for colonoscopy (including side effect information) plus an explanation of nocebo effect. The nocebo explanation will outline the relationship between bodily sensations and individuals‘ attributions, expectations, and beliefs, and will offer an explanation of the nocebo phenomenon.
The intervention consultation will be delivered by a Registrar Gastroenterologist according to a standardised script.
The mode of delivery will be face to face and executed individually to each patient.
The intervention will be delivered once per patient over approximately a 10 minute period
The intervention will be delivered at the Endoscopy Unit located on Level 6 of Auckland City Hospital (Auckland, New Zealand).
After the intervention has been delivered participants will be asked to complete a post-colonoscopy symptom questionnaire. Participants will also be contacted via telephone 3 days after their colonoscopy to complete the same symptom questionnaire.
Primary outcome(s): Side-Effect Reporting
Side effects will be assessed by self-report on a (study-designed) questionnaire. The participant will complete this questionnaire.[Immediately after Colonoscopy]
Study Design: Purpose: Treatment; Allocation: Randomised controlled trial