A smartphone application to enhance bowel preparation for first-time colonoscopy: a randomized controlled study

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Medical Technology
• Public Health

Background:

• Colonoscopy is vital for colorectal cancer screening.
• Effective bowel preparation is critical for colonoscopy accuracy and safety.
• A smartphone application was evaluated to guide bowel preparation for first-time colonoscopy patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of a smartphone application in improving bowel preparation for first-time colonoscopies.
• To compare the quality of bowel preparation between a smartphone application group and a standard education group.
• To evaluate the impact of the application on key colonoscopy quality indicators.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, prospective, endoscopist-blinded study involving 119 first-time colonoscopy participants.
• Participants were assigned to either a smartphone education application group or a standard education control group.
• Outcomes measured included Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) scores, polyp detection rate (PDR), and adenoma detection rate (ADR).

Main Results:

• The smartphone application group showed significantly higher mean BBPS scores and a greater proportion of excellent bowel preparation (BBPS≥8).
• The application group demonstrated improved quality indicators, including achieving target ADR, cecal intubation rate, and adequate withdrawal time.
• Smartphone-guided preparation resulted in a higher proportion of adequate and excellent bowel preparation scores.

Conclusions:

• A user-friendly smartphone application can enhance bowel preparation for first-time colonoscopies.
• Improved bowel preparation via the application may lead to a better colonoscopy experience and more effective colorectal cancer screening.
• The application shows promise as a tool to optimize colonoscopy quality and patient outcomes.