Internet-Based Patient Education Prior to Colonoscopy: Prospective, Observational Study of a Single Center’s Implementation, with Objective Assessment of Bowel Preparation Quality and Patient Satisfaction

Abstract

Background Nonpharmacologic factors, including patient education, affect bowel preparation for colonoscopy. Optimal cleansing increases quality and reduces repeat procedures. This study prospectively analyzes use of an individualized online patient education module in place of traditional patient education. Aims To determine the effectiveness of online education for patients, measured by the proportion achieving sufficient bowel preparation. Secondary measures include assessment of patient satisfaction. Methods Prospective, single-center, observational study. Adults aged 19 years and over, with an e-mail account, scheduled for nonurgent colonoscopy, with English proficiency (or someone who could translate for them) were recruited. Demographics and objective bowel preparation quality were collected. Patient satisfaction was assessed via survey to assess clarity and usefulness of the module. Results Nine hundred consecutive patients completed the study. 84.6% of patients achieved adequate bowel preparation as measured by Boston bowel preparation score ≥ 6 and 90.1% scored adequately using Ottawa bowel preparation score ≤7. 94.2% and 92.1% of patients rated the web-education module as ‘very useful’ and ‘very clear’, respectively (≥8/10 on respective scales). Conclusions Our analysis suggests that internet-based patient education prior to colonoscopy is a viable option and achieves adequate bowel preparation. Preparation quality is comparable to previously published trials. Included patients found the process clear and useful. Pragmatic benefits of a web-based protocol such as time and cost savings were not formally assessed but may contribute to greater satisfaction for endoscopists and patients.

Mandatory vs. optional split-dose bowel preparation for morning colonoscopies: a pragmatic noninferiority randomized controlled trial

“…Conclusions Optional SDBP is inferior to mandatory SDBP in providing adequate bowel preparation quality for early morning colonoscopies (8:00 AM-10:30 AM), and probably inferior for late morning colonoscopies (10:30 AM-12:00 PM). couraged to visit an informative online platform (https://mycolonoscopy.ca), which provides validated patient-education materials focused on SDBP [16]. Patients were aware of the bowel preparation instructions, but the endoscopists were unaware of the bowel preparation instructions that had been provided to the patients.…”

“…Both SDBP groups (mandatory and optional) received standardized information regarding pre-procedure diet, medication use, and the sedatives and colonoscopy. Both groups were encouraged to visit an informative online platform (https://mycolonoscopy.ca), which provides validated patient-education materials focused on SDBP [16]. Patients were aware of the bowel preparation instructions, but the endoscopists were unaware of the bowel preparation instructions that had been provided to the patients.…”

“…The total OBPS score ranges from 0 (excellent) to 14 (inadequate), based on three segment scores of 0 to 4, plus a total colon score for fluid quantity of 0 to 2. Adequate cleanliness was defined as a total OBPS score ≤ 7 [16]. OBPS was analyzed continuously (total and segment scores) and categorically (adequate vs. inadequate).…”

How an Automated Patient Education Module Improves Patient Outcomes and Informs Quality-of-Care Measures for Providers Within a Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Practice

“…Other medical specialties have examined having patient education modules and shared patient decision aids. These studies have shown that providing procedure-specific patient education decreases the length of time patients spend in the clinic room during their consultation appointment and increases patient satisfaction rates (Trasolini et al, 2020; Ubbink et al, 2016).…”

Evaluation of the effect of reinforced education on the satisfaction of patients undergoing colonoscopy: A randomized controlled trial

“…Furthermore, patient acceptance is improved by all educational methods, including oral and written education [3], face-to-face education, and media-based education [10]. However, new methods such as utilizing technology, media [1], web applications [11], 3D online programs [12], and mobile applications [13,14] may increase patient acceptance to a greater extent, necessitating additional research on their efficacy [1]. For example, media use can make reinforced education (RE) more effective from admission until the colonoscopy day [15].…”