Effect of different nursing educational methods on the quality of bowel cleanliness for patients undergoing colonoscopy

Abstract

Background: Colonoscopy is an endoscopic examination of the large intestine and the distal part of the small intestine with a fiber optic camera on a flexible tube passed through the anus. An estimated 11-14 million colonoscopies are performed in the United States annually. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of different nursing educational methods (video, educational booklet, both booklet & video and routine nursing instructions) on the quality of bowel cleanliness for patients undergoing colonoscopy.

Methods: Research design: A quiz-experimental research design was being utilized. Subjects and methods: A convenience sample of 120 adult patients was divided into four groups, 30 patients for each. Patients’mean age was (42.6 ± 12.8) years from both sexes. The study was conducted at Internal medicine, General surgery departments and Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Center at Assiut University Hospitals. Tools: Two tools were being utilized: patient assessment sheet and colonoscopy preparation educational methods.

Results: More than half of the patients (53.3%) in routine nursing instructions group have a bad level of bowel cleanliness with mean score of Boston bowel preparation scale (BBPS) of 2.7 ± 2.4, more than two thirds of patients (70%) at preparation video group have a fair level with mean score of BBPS of 4.7 ± 2.2, while more than half of patients in booklet and both video & booklet groups (53.3% & 56.7%) have an excellent level with mean score of BBPS of 5.9 ± 2.4 & 6.7 ± 1.2, respectively.

Conclusions: More than half of the patients at educational booklet and both video & booklet groups have an excellent level, more than two thirds of patients at preparation video group have a fair level, while more than half of the patients in routine nursing instructions group have a bad level of bowel cleanliness. Recommendation: Relevant written and visual information facilitate educating patients about proper preparation of the bowel before colonoscopy, signs and symptoms of the potential complications and the importance of seeking rapid medical advice after colonoscopy.