A systematic review on the acceptability, perception, preference, comfort, and burdens associated with radiological investigations in Inflammatory Bowel Disease patients.

INTRODUCTION: The patient experience during diagnostic radiological procedures in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) management remains an underexplored aspect of healthcare delivery. Despite advancements in imaging technologies, understanding patient perspectives is critical to optimizing adherence, satisfaction, and overall outcomes. This systematic review aims to address existing gaps in knowledge by synthesizing evidence on the acceptability, perception, preference, comfort, and burden associated with radiological investigations in IBD. METHODS: A comprehensive systematic review was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Five electronic databases were searched for studies reporting on adult IBD patients undergoing radiological investigations. Data were extracted on study characteristics, diagnostic modalities compared, and patient-reported outcomes including tolerability, satisfaction, acceptability, and perceived clinical utility. Results were stratified by comparator type. RESULTS: The search identified 737 citations, of which 14 studies involving 2,076 IBD patients met the inclusion criteria. There was significant variability in patient acceptability across imaging modalities, with gastrointestinal ultrasound (GIUS) consistently emerging as the most acceptable and preferred radiological tool. Factors influencing acceptability included pain, embarrassment, procedural invasiveness, clarity of instructions, and the degree of patient-centred communication. CONCLUSION: This review emphasizes the necessity of tailoring radiological practices to align with patient needs and expectations. The inclusion of non-radiological comparators provides a comprehensive assessment of patient experience but also highlights the importance of context when interpreting patient preferences. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Further research is needed to develop standardized measurement tools and to explore the broader psychological impacts of radiological procedures. Promoting the adoption of highly acceptable modalities such as GIUS through targeted training and integration into routine care may enhance patient experience.