Improving Colonoscopy Bowel Preparation and Reducing Patient Anxiety Through Recently Developed Online Information Resource: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction Invasive medical procedures such as colonoscopies can cause psychological distress and anxiety. Mycolonoscopy.ca is a multilanguage website that provides online written and video information (individual items reported in prior publications to be highly rated by patients) regarding preparation and what to expect before, during, and after colonoscopy. Information about how to access the website is included with all colonoscopy appointment materials in Winnipeg, Manitoba. We evaluated the use of mycolonoscopy.ca among patients undergoing colonoscopy and examined the association between visitation to the website and patient outcomes. Methods A paper-based survey was distributed to patients attending their colonoscopy appointments between 11/2019 and 3/2020. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the factors associated with website visitation, procedural worry, and bowel preparation scores. Results Five hundred and ninety-three surveys were distributed, of which 506 were completed. 17.4% of participants had visited the website before their colonoscopy. Visitors to mycolonoscopy.ca were more likely to consume a split-dose bowel preparation (63.9%) compared with non-visitors (52.5%) (P = 0.006). 31.3% of website visitors were very/extremely worried about their colonoscopy compared with 17.9% of non-visitors. 76.6% of individuals agreed/strongly agreed that visiting the website helped them prepare for their colonoscopy and 69.7% who visited the website agreed/strongly agreed that it helped to reduce their stress/anxiety for the procedure. In multivariable analyses, visitation to website was associated with higher adequate bowel preparation (OR:10.55; 95% CI:1.35 to 82.4). Conclusion Use of an informative online platform such as mycolonoscopy.ca can help to improve patient education before colonoscopy, reduce worry surrounding the procedure, and improve bowel preparation.

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

“…Our studies suggest the need to provide additional information to patients, highlighting the benefits of SDBP. We have recently reported how the use of an informative online platform is associated with an increased use of SDBP [33]. Our previous study that assessed patients' opinions about waking early for BP [32], found that almost three-quarters of patients did not This document was downloaded for personal use only.…”

“…Our studies suggest the need to provide additional information to patients, highlighting the benefits of SDBP. We have recently reported how the use of an informative online platform is associated with an increased use of SDBP [33].…”

ERIC, new virtual assistant for colonscopy: a pilot study

“…Aims A successful colonoscopy requires ideal stool preparation, yet the percentage of insufficient bowel preparation is still very high. Frequently, the patients use website information on colonoscopy preparation 1 . Conversely, the daily activity of the hospital staff consists of spending time with patients, communicating with them and giving answers to a high number of questions coming from patients regarding the preparation for the procedure or the exam itself.…”