A novel strategy for improving bowel preparation based on social software-enhanced education: A prospective,...

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Medical Education Technology
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Bowel preparation (BP) quality is crucial for effective colonoscopy.
• Compliance and timeliness with oral laxatives are key challenges in BP.
• Social software (SS) offers a novel platform for enhanced patient education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of an SS-based enhanced education strategy for BP.
• To optimize BP compliance and timeliness using a smartphone-based approach.
• To assess the impact of the SS strategy on colonoscopy outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled study involving 1774 patients.
• Patients were assigned to either an SS group (enhanced smartphone education) or a control group (standard instructions).
• The SS strategy was initiated 4 hours before colonoscopy.

Main Results:

• The SS group showed a significantly higher BP adequacy rate (92.22% vs 88.05%, P=0.005).
• Higher Boston Bowel Preparation Scale scores were observed in the SS group (P<0.001).
• The SS group had a higher average number of polyps detected (P=0.037) and a lower average polyp diameter (P<0.001).

Conclusions:

• SS-enhanced education improves BP adequacy rates.
• This strategy increases polyp detection, particularly smaller ones.
• Smartphone-based education is effective for optimizing bowel preparation for colonoscopy.