Effect of WeChat and short message service on bowel preparation: an endoscopist-blinded, randomized controlled trial

A novel strategy for improving bowel preparation based on social software-enhanced education: A prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The compliance and timeliness of oral laxatives have always been the key factors restricting bowel preparation (BP). We have constructed a novel enhanced-educational content and process based on social software (SS) for BP to optimize these issues.

METHODS

A multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled study was conducted at 13 hospitals in China from December 2019 to December 2020. A total of 1774 enrollees received standard instructions for BP and were randomly assigned (1:1) to the SS group (SSG) that received a smartphone-based enhanced-education strategy starting 4 h before colonoscopy or the control group (CG).

RESULTS

A total of 3034 consecutive outpatient colonoscopy patients were assessed for eligibility, and 1774 were enrolled and randomly assigned. Ultimately, data from 1747 (SSG vs CG: 875 vs 872) enrollees were collected. The BP adequacy rate was 92.22% (95% CI: 90.46-93.98) in the SSG vs 88.05% (95% CI: 85.91-90.18) in the CG (P = 0.005), and the total Boston Bowel Preparation Scale scores (6.89 ± 1.15 vs 6.67 ± 1.15, P < 0.001) of those in the SSG were significantly higher than those in the CG. The average number of polyps detected in the SSG was considerably higher than that in the CG (0.84 ± 2.00 vs 0.53 ± 1.19, P = 0.037), and the average diameter of the polyps was significantly lower than that of the control group (4.0 ± 2.5 vs 4.9 ± 3.7, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This SS-enhanced education strategy can improve the BP adequacy rate and increase the average number of polyps detected, especially those of small diameter.

Effectiveness of a Mobile Health Application for Educating Outpatients about Bowel Preparation

Colonoscopy is an essential method for diagnosing and treating colorectal cancer, relying on effective bowel preparation to thoroughly examine the large intestinal mucosa. Traditional education involves printed instructions and verbal explanations but does not guarantee clear patient understanding. Poor bowel preparation can obscure mucosal visibility, delaying cancer diagnosis and treatment. A mobile medical model using Android devices for bowel preparation education was tested in a single-blind, randomized trial. This trial enrolled outpatients undergoing colonoscopy at the Endoscopy Center for Diagnostic and Treatment between 27 October 2021 and 31 December 2022. This study introduced the ColonClean app alongside traditional methods. After examination, endoscopists rated the preparation quality using the Aronchick scale. A data analysis was conducted using SPSS 25.0 to determine if there was a significant improvement in bowel preparation quality between the control group (traditional method) and the experimental group (traditional method plus the ColonClean app). Forty patients were recruited in each group. In the experimental group, all ratings were "fair", with 75% receiving an "excellent" or "good" rating, showing statistical significance (p = 0.016). The ColonClean app improves bowel preparation quality more effectively than traditional care instructions.

Smartphone application for artificial intelligence-based evaluation of stool state during bowel preparation before colonoscopy

OBJECTIVES

Colonoscopy (CS) is an important screening method for the early detection and removal of precancerous lesions. The stool state during bowel preparation (BP) should be properly evaluated to perform CS with sufficient quality. This study aimed to develop a smartphone application (app) with an artificial intelligence (AI) model for stool state evaluation during BP and to investigate whether the use of the app could maintain an adequate quality of CS.

METHODS

First, stool images were collected in our hospital to develop the AI model and were categorized into grade 1 (solid or muddy stools), grade 2 (cloudy watery stools), and grade 3 (clear watery stools). The AI model for stool state evaluation (grades 1-3) was constructed and internally verified using the cross-validation method. Second, a prospective study was conducted on the quality of CS using the app in our hospital. The primary end-point was the proportion of patients who achieved Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) ≥6 among those who successfully used the app.

RESULTS

The AI model showed mean accuracy rates of 90.2%, 65.0%, and 89.3 for grades 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The prospective study enrolled 106 patients and revealed that 99.0% (95% confidence interval 95.3-99.9%) of patients achieved a BBPS ≥6.

CONCLUSION

The proportion of patients with BBPS ≥6 during CS using the developed app exceeded the set expected value. This app could contribute to the performance of high-quality CS in clinical practice.

Efficacy of Polyethylene Glycol Electrolyte Powder Combined With Linaclotide for Colon Cleansing in Patients With Chronic Constipation Undergoing Colonoscopy: A Multicenter, Single-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION

Constipation is an independent risk factor for poor bowel preparation. This study aimed to evaluate the bowel cleansing efficacy and safety of polyethylene glycol (PEG) combined with linaclotide (lin) for colonoscopy in patients with chronic constipation (CC).

METHODS

This single-blinded, randomized, controlled, and multicenter study was conducted from July 2021 to December 2022 at 7 hospitals. Patients with CC who underwent colonoscopies were enrolled and randomly assigned to 4 groups with split-PEG regimens: 4L-PEG group, 4L-PEG+1d-Lin group, 3L-PEG+1d-Lin group, and 3L-PEG+3d-Lin group. The primary outcome was rates of adequate bowel preparation, defined as a total BBPS score ≥6 and a score ≥2 for each segment. Secondary outcomes were adverse effects, sleep quality, willingness to repeat the colonoscopy, adenoma detection rate, and polyp detection rate.

RESULTS

Five hundred two patients were enrolled. The rates of adequate bowel preparation (80.0% vs 60.3%, P < 0.001; 84.4% vs 60.3%, P < 0.001) and the total Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) scores (6.90 ± 1.28 vs 6.00 ± 1.61, P < 0.001; 7.03 ± 1.24 vs 6.00 ± 1.61, P < 0.01) in the 4L-PEG+1d-Lin group and the 3L-PEG+3d-Lin group were superior to that in the 4L-PEG group. Compared with the 4L-PEG group, the 4L-PEG+1d-Lin group (66.7% vs 81.7%, P = 0.008) and the 3L-PEG+3d-Lin group (75.0% vs 81.7%, P = 0.224) had a lower percentage of mild adverse events. No statistically significant difference in willingness to repeat the colonoscopy, sleep quality, polyp detection rate, or adenoma detection rate was observed among groups.

DISCUSSION

PEG combined with linaclotide might be an effective method for bowel preparation before colonoscopy in patients with CC.

Effectiveness of instant versus text messaging intervention on antiretroviral therapy adherence among men who have sex with men living with HIV

Objective

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of instant versus text messaging intervention (TMI) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence among men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV.

Methods

This study was conducted in an infectious disease hospital of Jinan, China from October 2020 to June 2021, using non-randomized concurrent controlled design to compare the effectiveness of instant messaging intervention (IMI) versus TMI. The intervention strategies (health messaging, medication reminder, and peer education) and contents were consistent between the two groups, and the difference was service delivery method and type of information. The primary outcome was the proportion of achieving optimal ART adherence, defined as never missing any doses and delayed any doses more than 1 hour.

Results

A total of 217 participants (including 72 in TMI group and 145 in IMI group) were included in the study. The proportion of achieving optimal adherence was higher in IMI group than TMI group at the first follow-up (90.2% versus 77.6%, p = 0.021) and second follow-up (86.5% versus 76.6%, p = 0.083). The effect of IMI versus TMI on improving ART adherence was found not to be statistically significant (risk ratio (RR) = 1.93, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.95-3.94) in complete-case analysis. However, when excluding participants who did not adhere to the interventions, a significant improvement was observed (RR = 2.77, 95%CI: 1.21-6.38). More participants in IMI group expressed highly rated satisfaction to the intervention services than those in TMI group (67.3% versus 50.0%).

Conclusions

The IMI demonstrated superior efficacy over TMI in improving ART adherence and satisfaction with intervention services. It is suggested that future digital health interventions targeting ART adherence should prioritize instant messaging with multimedia information in areas with Internet access.

Trial registration

The study was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Register (ChiCTR), with number [ChiCTR2000041282].

Enhancing bowel preparation quality and tolerability in a low health literacy population in Western China: a multicenter randomized trial

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Insufficient bowel preparation (BP) presents substantial challenges to the effectiveness of outpatient colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening, particularly within populations characterized by low health literacy and poor adherence.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective, randomized, blinded, endoscopic controlled study involving 474 colonoscopy outpatients aged 18-80 years hailing from a low health literacy population with convenient access to WeChat. These patients were subsequently randomized into three groups: the control group, WeChat group, and the automatic reminder group (ARG). All people were administered 3 L of polyethylene glycol. The Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) score of 6 or a segmental score of 2 was used as the primary outcome to evaluate BP quality. Secondary outcomes included polyp detection rate (PDR) and adverse events, etc. RESULTS: Our findings revealed that both the WeChat group (n = 158) and ARG (n = 158) exhibited significantly higher rates of adequate BP compared to the control group (n = 158) (WeChat vs. control, 79.1% vs. 61.4%; ARG vs. control, 74.7% vs. 61.4%; p < 0.001). Furthermore, these educationally reinforced groups displayed improved BP compliance (p < 0.05). According to the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), patients in the reinforced education groups exhibited lower overall anxiety levels (p = 0.001) and experienced fewer adverse reactions (p = 0.019). Compared to the control group, the PDR in the right hemi-colon was significantly greater in the WeChat group (11.4%) (2.5%), and a similar trend was observed in the ARG (7.6%). Additionally, individuals in the WeChat group reported higher levels of satisfaction with their colonoscopy experience (p = 0.043). In a multivariate analysis, adjusting for potential confounding factors, WeChat-based re-education ([OR] 1.496, 95% CI 1.154-1.939; p = 0.002)) emerged as a protective factor for achieving adequate BP.

CONCLUSION

Enhanced education through WeChat can improve BP quality, and ARG applies equally to low health literacy populations.

Effectiveness of bowel preparation innovative technology instructions (BPITIs) on clinical outcomes among patients undergoing colonoscopy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

To evaluate the effectiveness of bowel preparation innovative technology instructions (BPITIs) among patients undergoing colonoscopy. We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, CENTRAL, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Google Scholar for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster-RCTs from inception to February 28, 2022. The Cochrane risk of bias (RoB) tool and GRADE were used to assess RoB and certainty of evidence, respectively. Meta-analyses with random-effects model were used for analysis. This review included 47 RCTs (84 records). Seven BPITIs were found among included studies: (1) mobile apps, (2) VDO stream from personal devices, (3) VDO stream from a hospital device, (4) SMS re-education, (5) telephone re-education, (6) computer-based education, and (7) web-based education. The findings demonstrate that BPITIs have a slight impact on adherence to overall instructions (RR 1.20, 95% CI 1.13-1.28; moderate-certainty evidence), adequate bowel preparation (RR 1.10, 95% CI 1.07-1.13; low-certainty evidence), and quality of bowel preparation score (SMD 0.42, 95% CI 0.33-0.52; low-certainty evidence) compared to routine care. BPITIs may enhance the clinical outcomes. Due to the low-certainty evidence and heterogeneity of the included studies, the findings should be interpreted cautiously. Well-designed and reported RCTs are required to confirm the findings.PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021217846.

Using WeChat to guide preparation before transthoracic echocardiography reduces anxiety and improves satisfaction of parents of infants with congenital heart disease

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of using WeChat to guide preparation before transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) on reducing anxiety and improving the satisfaction of parents of infants with congenital heart disease (CHD).

METHODS

This study was a retrospective study conducted in a children's hospital. The clinical data of 44 patients and the anxiety and satisfaction data of their parents who received WeChat guidance were collected between December 2021 and January 2022 (the WeChat group). The corresponding data of 47 patients and their parents who received educational brochure guidance were collected between September 2021 and November 2021 (the routine group). Guidance was used to help the parents prepare for TTE performed by medical professionals. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scale and the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire-18 (PSQ-18) were used. The data of the two groups were compared and analyzed.

RESULTS

The comparison of parental anxiety between the two groups showed that the scores of state anxiety and trait anxiety in the WeChat group were significantly lower than those in the routine group (p < 0.05). The comparison of the results of the PSQ-18 showed that the scores for general satisfaction, interpersonal manner, communication, time spent with the physician, and accessibility and convenience in the WeChat group were significantly higher than those in the routine group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Using WeChat to guide preparation before TTE for infants with CHD can effectively reduce the anxiety of their parents and improve their parents' satisfaction with medical treatment.

Improving bowel preparation for colonoscopy with a smartphone application driven by artificial intelligence

Optimal bowel preparation is a prerequisite for a successful colonoscopy; however, the rate of inadequate bowel preparation remains relatively high. In this study, we establish a smartphone app that assesses patient bowel preparation using an artificial intelligence (AI)-based prediction system trained on labeled photographs of feces in the toilet and evaluate its impact on bowel preparation quality in colonoscopy outpatients. We conduct a prospective, single-masked, multicenter randomized clinical trial, enrolling outpatients who own a smartphone and are scheduled for a colonoscopy. We screen 578 eligible patients and randomize 524 in a 1:1 ratio to the control or AI-driven app group for bowel preparation. The study endpoints are the percentage of patients with adequate bowel preparation and the total BBPS score, compliance with dietary restrictions and purgative instructions, polyp detection rate, and adenoma detection rate (secondary). The prediction system has an accuracy of 95.15%, a specificity of 97.25%, and an area under the curve of 0.98 in the test dataset. In the full analysis set (n = 500), adequate preparation is significantly higher in the AI-driven app group (88.54 vs. 65.59%; P < 0.001). The mean BBPS score is 6.74 ± 1.25 in the AI-driven app group and 5.97 ± 1.81 in the control group (P < 0.001). The rates of compliance with dietary restrictions (93.68 vs. 83.81%, P = 0.001) and purgative instructions (96.05 vs. 84.62%, P < 0.001) are significantly higher in the AI-driven app group, as is the rate of additional purgative intake (26.88 vs. 17.41%, P = 0.011). Thus, our AI-driven smartphone app significantly improves the quality of bowel preparation and patient compliance.

Improving the quality of bowel preparation by smartphone education platform prior to colonoscopy: a randomized trail

OBJECTIVE

Adequate bowel preparation is an essential factor in colonoscopy. Enhanced education on the procedure of bowel preparation is very necessary for patients before colonoscopy. We analysed the influence of a novel education platform on bowel preparation quality before colonoscopy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study enrolled outpatients who underwent colonoscopy in the digestive endoscopy centre of Wuhan Tongji Hospital. They were divided into the control group and the intervention group according to different educational ways. The control group patients were provided with the regular colonoscopy preparation leaflet. The intervention group patients were asked to add the education platform. The primary outcome was the rate of adequate bowel preparation. The study was registered at Chinese ClinicalTrials.gov (ChiCTR2100053547, 24/11/2021).

RESULTS

A total of 378 patients who underwent colonoscopy were enrolled, including 189 patients in the control group and 189 patients in the intervention group. The Boston bowel preparation score (BBPS) was significantly higher in the intervention group than that in the control group (p < .05). The adequate rate of bowel preparation in the intervention group was significantly improved than that in the control group (p = .000). Compared with the control group, the polyp detection rate (PDR) was significantly higher in the intervention group (p = .006), especially in the left colonic (p = .006). Among constipation patients, the adequate rate of bowel preparation (p = .000) and the PDR (p = .004) were significantly improved than that in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The smartphone education platform may effectively improve bowel preparation quality, PDR, and patients' compliance.Key messagesThe quality of bowel preparation mainly relies on the patients' compliance with the bowel preparation instructions.The study reveals that the superiority of the smartphone education platform by Mini Program in improving bowel preparation and colorectal polyp detection rate.The smartphone education platform may provide a more effective, convenient, and labour-saving way to provide further improvements to patients prior to colonoscopy.

Effect of nurse-performed enhanced patient education on colonoscopy bowel preparation quality

OBJECTIVE

to evaluate the effect of nurse-performed enhanced patient education sessions on adequate bowel preparation and cecal intubation rates.

METHOD

a prospective, quasi-experimental, comparative study with a quantitative approach. The intervention group (n=150) received education enhanced by a visual presentation and reminder calls. The control group (n=156) received the clinic's standard written instructions. Adequate bowel preparation rates and other colonoscopy quality indicators were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

Boston Bowel Preparation scale scores and adequate bowel preparation rates were higher in the intervention group than in the control group (respectively, 6.76±2.1 vs. 5.56±2.4, p=0.000, and 80% vs. 69.2%, p=0.031). The cecal intubation rates were higher in the intervention group (80% vs. 67.3%, p=0.012). Due to inadequate bowel preparation, unsuccessful cecal intubation rates were 0% in the intervention group and 17.6% in the control group. Biopsy rates were higher in the intervention group (28% vs. 13.3%, p=0.002).

CONCLUSION

the nurse-performed enhanced patient education sessions increase adequate bowel preparation rates and, in parallel, cecal intubation rates. To reach the colonoscopy quality standards recommended in the guidelines, it is suggested that patient education be supported by different training tools and given by health professionals.

Face-to-Face Instruction and Personalized Regimens Improve the Quality of Inpatient Bowel Preparation for Colonoscopy

BACKGROUND

Poor bowel preparation is commonly observed in inpatients undergoing colonoscopy, particularly those with higher risks for inadequate bowel preparation.

AIMS

The objective of this study was to determine whether personalized bowel preparation regimens combined with face-to-face instruction (FFI) could improve the quality of bowel preparation for inpatient.

METHODS

In this endoscopist-blinded, randomized controlled trial, 320 inpatients were enrolled and randomly allocated (1:1) to the control and intervention groups. The intervention group received FFI and personalized bowel preparation regimens, while the control group received the routine bowel preparation regimen and education. The primary outcome was adequate bowel preparation rate. Secondary outcomes included rates of procedure-related adverse events, incorrect diet restriction and laxative intake, etc. RESULTS: The adequate bowel preparation rate in the intervention group was significantly higher compared to control group [intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis: 70.0% vs 51.3%, P < 0.001; per-protocol (PP) analysis: 79.4% vs 58.6%, P < 0.001]. Bowel cleanliness was significantly improved in high-risk inpatients (ITT analysis: 65% vs 44.6%, P = 0.004; PP analysis: 73.0% vs 51.7%, P = 0.004) and in low-risk inpatients (ITT analysis: 80% vs 62.7%, P = 0.037; PP analysis: 92.3% vs 69.8%, P = 0.003). There were no significant differences between two groups regarding procedure-related adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Personalized bowel preparation regimens combined with FFI improve the rate of adequate bowel preparation, especially for patients with high-risk factors. As such, inpatients could benefit from this novel approach for better bowel preparation to ultimately improve the quality of colonoscopies.

Patient education by smartphones for bowel preparation before colonoscopy

BACKGROUND AND AIM

We aim to evaluate the effect of smartphone education on the bowel preparation quality of patients undergoing colonoscopy by meta-analysis.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials using smartphones to educate patients on bowel preparation for colonoscopy were screened from the PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases from inception to August 31, 2021. After extracting the data, Review Manager software was used for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 12 randomized controlled trials with 4165 patients were included in the meta-analysis. There were 2060 patients in the smartphone group, including 1784 patients with adequate bowel preparation, with a rate of 86.6%, and 2105 patients in the control group, including 1614 patients with adequate bowel preparation, with a rate of 76.7%, and pooled risk ratio (RR) was 1.15 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07-1.23, P < 0.01). Eight included studies reported the adenoma detection rate. The adenoma detection rate in the smartphone group was 26.2%, and the rate in the control group was 19.3%, with an RR of 1.29 (95% CI: 1.03-1.62, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Using smartphones to educate patients on bowel preparation for colonoscopy improved the quality of bowel preparation and increased the adenoma detection rate.

Reinforced education by short message service improves the quality of bowel preparation for colonoscopy

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of reinforced education (RE) by short message service (SMS) on the bowel preparation quality of patients undergoing colonoscopy.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), conducted on the effect of RE by SMS on bowel preparation for colonoscopy from inception to November 1, 2021, were queried from databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE. After extracting the data, meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager Software version 5.3.

RESULTS

A total of seven RCTs with 5889 patients were subjected to meta-analysis. The rate of adequate bowel preparation in the SMS group (81.7%) was significantly higher than that in the control group (75.7%) (RR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.03-1.17, p < 0.01). Four studies suggested that RE by SMS significantly reduced the non-attendance rate of patients for scheduled colonoscopy (RR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.56-0.99, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

RE by SMS for patients undergoing colonoscopy can significantly improve the quality of bowel preparation and decrease the non-attendance rate of patients for scheduled colonoscopy.

Effect of WeChat Messaging on Improving the Quality of Bowel Preparation for Outpatient Colonoscopy: A Randomized Controlled Study

With the most active users of any social media platform in China, WeChat has become the preferred platform for public announcements and is widely used in the fields of medicine and nursing (Hong, Zhou, Fang, & Shi, 2017; Zeng, Deng, Wang, & Liu, 2016). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of WeChat messaging on bowel preparation for outpatient colonoscopy. A total of 150 outpatients scheduled for colonoscopy in a Grade III level A hospital were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n = 73) or the control group (n = 72). Both groups received routine guidance from the day of the scheduling appointment through the day of colonoscopy. In addition, the experimental group received colonoscopy-related information and individualized guidance daily through WeChat from the day of the appointment. After the colonoscopy, the diet and medication compliance, satisfaction, anxiety, and bowel cleanliness were compared. Post-intervention, there were significant differences in bowel cleanliness, satisfaction, diet and medication compliance, and anxiety between the two groups. WeChat messaging can help improve diet and medication compliance, patient satisfaction, and the success rate and thoroughness of colonoscopy, as well as alleviate the anxiety of patients scheduled for outpatient colonoscopy.

Impact of Patient Education via WeChat on Bowel Preparation for Colonoscopy: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of education via WeChat on the quality of bowel preparation in patients undergoing colonoscopy through a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Randomized controlled trials of bowel preparation education provided via WeChat for patients undergoing colonoscopy were screened from databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase. Papers published from the date of database construction to May 1, 2021, were extracted, and a meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager software. A total of four randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that for patients undergoing colonoscopy, education via WeChat significantly improves the quality of bowel preparation for colonoscopy, reduces the insertion time, and increases the adenoma detection rate and the patient's compliance and willingness to repeat bowel preparation. In conclusion, education via WeChat before colonoscopy can significantly improve the quality of bowel preparation.

Effect of nurse-performed enhanced patient education on colonoscopy bowel preparation quality

Objective:

to evaluate the effect of nurse-performed enhanced patient education sessions on adequate bowel preparation and cecal intubation rates.

Method:

a prospective, quasi-experimental, comparative study with a quantitative approach. The intervention group (n=150) received education enhanced by a visual presentation and reminder calls. The control group (n=156) received the clinic’s standard written instructions. Adequate bowel preparation rates and other colonoscopy quality indicators were compared between the groups.

Results:

Boston Bowel Preparation scale scores and adequate bowel preparation rates were higher in the intervention group than in the control group (respectively, 6.76±2.1 vs. 5.56±2.4, p=0.000, and 80% vs. 69.2%, p=0.031). The cecal intubation rates were higher in the intervention group (80% vs. 67.3%, p=0.012). Due to inadequate bowel preparation, unsuccessful cecal intubation rates were 0% in the intervention group and 17.6% in the control group. Biopsy rates were higher in the intervention group (28% vs. 13.3%, p=0.002).

Conclusion:

the nurse-performed enhanced patient education sessions increase adequate bowel preparation rates and, in parallel, cecal intubation rates. To reach the colonoscopy quality standards recommended in the guidelines, it is suggested that patient education be supported by different training tools and given by health professionals.

Los efectos de la educación perfeccionada, realizada por enfermeros en la calidad de la preparación intestinal para colonoscopia

Resumen Objetivo: evaluar el efecto de la educación perfeccionada realizada por enfermeros en la preparación intestinal adecuada y en las tasas de intubación cecal. Método: estudio prospectivo, casi experimental y comparativo, con abordaje cuantitativo. El grupo de intervención (n=150) recibió la educación perfeccionada y llamadas telefónicas recordatorias. El grupo de control (n=156) recibió las instrucciones estándar de la clínica por escrito. Las tasas de preparación intestinal adecuadas y otros indicadores de la calidad de la colonoscopia fueron comparadas entre los grupos. Resultados: las puntuaciones obtenidas en la Boston Bowel Preparation Scale y las tasas de preparación intestinal adecuadas fueron en el grupo de intervención mayores que en el grupo de control (6,76±2,1 vs. 5,56±2,4, p=0,000, y 80% vs. 69,2%, p=0,031, respectivamente). Las tasas de intubación cecal fueron mayores en el grupo de intervención (80% vs. 67,3%, p=0,012). La tasa de intubación cecal fracasada debido a la preparación intestinal inadecuada fue de 0% en el GI, en cuanto que el GC obtuvo una tasa de 17,6%. Además de eso, las tasas de biopsia fueron mayores en el grupo de intervención (28% vs. 13,3%, p=0,002). Conclusión: la educación del paciente perfeccionada y realizada por enfermeros aumenta las tasas de preparación intestinal adecuadas y, consecuentemente, las tasas de intubación cecal. Para alcanzar los estándares de calidad de colonoscopia recomendados en las directrices, recomendamos que la educación del paciente sea apoyada por diferentes herramientas de entrenamiento y realizada por profesionales de la salud.

Educating Outpatients for Bowel Preparation Before Colonoscopy Using Conventional Methods vs Virtual Reality Videos Plus Conventional Methods: A Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Adequate bowel preparation is essential for diagnostic, screening, and surveillance colonoscopy. Virtual reality (VR) has the characteristics of immersion, interaction, and imagination and has been widely used in medicine for training and teaching, indicating that it could be used in the education of outpatients for bowel preparation before colonoscopy.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether using VR videos for patient education before colonoscopy could improve bowel preparation.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A prospective, single-blinded, randomized clinical trial of 346 patients undergoing colonoscopy with local anesthesia in a tertiary care hospital was conducted between October 1, 2018, and November 1, 2020. Outpatients who had indications for colonoscopy and had not received one before were enrolled. Statistical analysis was performed from November 1 to December 31, 2020. All data were analyzed according to the intention-to-treat approach.

EXPOSURES

Conventional bowel preparation education (oral instructions and written materials that had the same contents) or conventional education plus VR videos.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was the quality of bowel preparation measured by the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale score (range, 0-9, where 0 indicates extremely unsatisfactory bowel preparation and 9 indicates complete bowel preparation). Secondary outcomes included polyp and adenoma detection rates, compliance with complete bowel cleansing, preprocedure anxiety, overall satisfaction, and willingness to undergo a follow-up colonoscopy.

RESULTS

A total of 346 outpatients were enrolled in the trial, with 173 patients randomly assigned to each group (control group: 87 women [50.3%]; mean [SD] age, 50.5 [12.5] years; VR video group: 84 women [48.6%]; mean [SD] age, 52.6 [11.4] years). Baseline characteristics, including demographic information, medical history, lifestyle, and the characteristics of stool, were comparable between the VR video group and the control group. The mean (SD) Boston Bowel Preparation Scale score was significantly higher in the VR video group than in the control group (7.61 [1.65] vs 7.04 [1.70]; P = .002). The detection rate of polyps (72 of 172 [41.9%] vs 46 of 172 [26.7%]; P = .003) and the detection rate of adenomas (56 of 172 [32.6%] vs 38 of 172 [22.1%]; P = .03) were also higher in the VR video group. Patients who received VR education had better compliance (119 [68.8%] vs 87 [50.3%]; P < .001) and higher mean (SD) overall satisfaction (8.68 [1.70] vs 8.16 [2.15]; P = .01) with bowel preparation.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Patients who received VR video education before colonoscopy had better bowel preparation, higher polyp and adenoma detection rates, and improved compliance and satisfaction.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03667911.

Comparative Effectiveness of Enhanced Patient Instructions for Bowel Preparation Before Colonoscopy: Network Meta-analysis of 23 Randomized Controlled Trials

Background

Various enhanced patient instructions (EPIs) have been used for bowel preparation (BP) and our previous meta-analysis also demonstrated the efficacy of EPIs in increasing the colonic polyp and adenoma detection rates; however, the optimal method for adequate BP has not yet been developed.

Objective

We performed a network meta-analysis to determine the optimal instructions.

Methods

We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effectiveness of EPIs with each other or standard patient instructions (SPIs) for BP. We performed direct and Bayesian network meta-analyses for all instructions and used the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) criteria to appraise the quality of evidence.

Results

We included 23 RCTs (7969 patients) comparing 10 different instructions. In direct meta-analyses, most of the EPIs, except visual aids and mobile apps, increased the adequate preparation rate (APR). Network meta-analyses showed that additional explanations were superior to visual aids (odds ratio [OR] 0.35, 95% CI 0.19-0.59), telephone calls (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.37-0.99), educational videos (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.5-0.77), and mobile apps (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.14-0.68) with low-to-high-quality evidence; newly designed booklets (OR 3.28, 95% CI 1.59-6.16), SMS text messaging (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.28-3.91), telephone calls (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.03-1.78), educational videos (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.40-3.65), and social media applications (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.4-3.93) were superior to visual aids and mobile apps with low-to-high-quality evidence. SMS text messaging, telephone calls, and social media applications increase adherence to and satisfaction with the BP regime. Social media applications reduce the risk of adverse events (AEs). Telephone calls and social media applications increase the polyp detection rate (PDR).

Conclusions

Newly designed booklets, telephone calls, educational videos, and social media applications can improve the quality of BP. Telephone calls and social media applications improve adherence to and satisfaction with the BP regime, reduce the risk of AEs, and increase the PDR.

Trial Registration

INPLASY (International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols) INPLASY2020120103; https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2020-12-0103/

Effects of a Personalized Smartphone App on Bowel Preparation Quality: Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Adequate bowel preparation is essential for the visualization of the colonic mucosa during colonoscopy. However, the rate of inadequate bowel preparation is still high, ranging from 18% to 35%; this may lead to a higher risk of missing clinically relevant lesions, procedural difficulties, prolonged procedural time, an increased number of interval colorectal carcinomas, and additional health care costs.

Objective

The aims of this study are to compare bowel preparation instructions provided via a personalized smartphone app (Prepit, Ferring B V) with regular written instructions for bowel preparation to improve bowel preparation quality and to evaluate patient satisfaction with the bowel preparation procedure.

Methods

Eligible patients scheduled for an outpatient colonoscopy were randomized to a smartphone app group or a control group. Both the groups received identical face-to-face education from a research physician, including instructions about the colonoscopy procedure, diet restrictions, and laxative intake. In addition, the control group received written information, whereas the smartphone app group was instructed to use the smartphone app instead of the written information for the actual steps of the bowel preparation schedule. All patients used bisacodyl and sodium picosulfate with magnesium citrate as laxatives. The quality of bowel preparation was scored using the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) by blinded endoscopists. Patient satisfaction was measured using the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire-18.

Results

A total of 87 patients were included in the smartphone app group and 86 in the control group. The mean total BBPS score was significantly higher in the smartphone app group (mean 8.3, SD 0.9) than in the control group (mean 7.9, SD 1.2; P=.03). The right colon showed a significantly higher bowel preparation score in the smartphone app group (mean 2.7, SD 0.5 vs mean 2.5, SD 0.6; P=.04). No significant differences were observed in segment scores for the mean transverse colon (mean 2.8, SD 0.4 vs mean 2.8, SD 0.4; P=.34) and left colon (mean 2.8, SD 0.4 vs mean 2.6, SD 0.5; P=.07). General patient satisfaction was high for the smartphone app group (mean 4.4, SD 0.7) but showed no significant difference when compared with the control group (mean 4.3, SD 0.8; P=.32).

Conclusions

Our personalized smartphone app significantly improved bowel preparation quality compared with regular written instructions for bowel preparation. In particular, in the right colon, the BBPS score improved, which is of clinical relevance because the right colon is considered more difficult to clean and the polyp detection rate in the right colon improves with improvement of bowel cleansing of the right colon. No further improvement in patient satisfaction was observed compared with patients receiving regular written instructions.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03677050; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03677050

Multimedia based education on bowel preparation improves adenoma detection rate: Systematic review & meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cause of cancer worldwide. Studies have shown a strong association between screening colonoscopy and a reduced risk of death from colorectal cancers. The incidence of poor bowel preparation has been reported in up to 25% cases. We conducted a systematic review and comprehensive meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of patient education using multimedia platforms on adenoma detection rate and adequacy of bowel preparation.

METHODS

Multiple databases were searched through May 2020 for studies that reported the efficacy of multimedia education (smartphone app and online audio-visual aids) in improving quality of bowel preparation and its effect on adenoma detection rate (ADR). Meta-analysis was performed to determine whether multimedia based patient education (MM) helps improve ADR and bowel preparation quality as compared to controls (CT).

RESULTS

We included 13 randomized controlled trials with a total of 3754 patients. Eight studies reported outcomes on ADR and 12 reported on adequacy of bowel preparation. Overall ADR was higher in patients receiving multimedia based education as compared to CT (risk ratio (RR) 1.25, confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.56, P = 0.04). A higher proportion of patients receiving multimedia based education achieved adequate bowel preparation (RR 1.2, CI 1.1-1.3, P = 0.001). In patients with mean age over 50 years, ADR was better in MM cohort as compared to controls (RR 1.3, CI 1.1-1.6, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Pre-colonoscopy patient education using multimedia based platforms seems to improve ADR and the adequacy of bowel preparation.

Mobile health technologies supporting colonoscopy preparation: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

Mobile health (mHealth) technologies are innovative solutions for delivering instructions to patients preparing for colonoscopy.

Objective

To systematically review the literature evaluating the effectiveness of mHealth technologies supporting colonoscopy preparation on patient and clinical outcomes.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and CENTRAL were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effectiveness of mHealth technologies for colonoscopy preparation on patient and clinical outcomes. Two reviewers independently assessed study eligibility, extracted data, and appraised methodological quality using the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool. Data were pooled using random effects models and when heterogeneity, assessed using I², was statistically significant, a qualitative synthesis of the data was performed. Publication bias was assessed using a funnel plot.

Results

Ten RCTs (3,383 participants) met inclusion criteria. MHealth interventions included smartphone apps, SMS text messages, videos, camera apps, and a social media app. Outcomes were bowel cleanliness quality, user satisfaction, colonoscopy quality indicators (cecal intubation time, withdrawal time, adenoma detection rate), adherence to diet, and cancellation/no-show rates. MHealth interventions were associated with better bowel cleanliness scores on the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale [standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.57, 95%CI 0.37–0.77, I² = 60%, p = 0.08] and the Ottawa Bowel Preparation Scale [SMD -0.39, 95%CI -0.59–0.19, I² = 45%, p = 0.16], but they were not associated with rates of willingness to repeat the colonoscopy using the same regimen [odds ratio (OR) 1.88, 95%CI 0.85–4.15, I² = 48%, p = 0.12] or cancellations/no-shows [OR 0.96, 95%CI 0.68–1.35, I² = 0%]. Most studies showed that adequate bowel preparation, user satisfaction and adherence to diet were better in the intervention groups compared to the control groups, while inconsistent findings were observed for the colonoscopy quality indicators. All trials were at high risk of bias for lack of participant blinding. Visual inspection of a funnel plot revealed publication bias.

Conclusions

MHealth technologies show promise as a way to improve bowel cleanliness, but trials to date were of low methodological quality. High-quality research is required to understand the effectiveness of mHealth technologies on colonoscopy outcomes.

Smartphone Application to Reinforce Education Increases High-Quality Preparation for Colorectal Cancer Screening Colonoscopies in a Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Sufficient bowel preparation is crucial for successful screening and surveillance colonoscopy. However, rates of inadequate preparation are still high. We investigated the effects of reinforced patient education using a smartphone application software (APP) for colonoscopy preparation in participants in a CRC screening program.

METHODS

We performed a prospective, endoscopist-blinded study of 500 patients undergoing split-dose bowel preparation for CRC screening or surveillance colonoscopies at multiple centers in Germany, from November 2017 through January 2019. Participants (n = 500) were given oral and written instructions during their initial appointment and then randomly assigned (1:1) to groups that received reinforced education starting 3 days before the colonoscopy (APP group) or no further education (controls). The primary outcome was quality of bowel preparation according to the Boston bowel preparation scale. Secondary outcomes included polyp and adenoma detection rates, compliance with low-fiber diet, split-dose laxative intake, perceived discomfort from the preparation procedure.

RESULTS

The mean Boston bowel preparation scale score was significantly higher in the APP-group (7.6 ± 0.1) than in the control group (6.7 ± 0.1) (P < .0001). The percentage of patients with insufficient bowel preparation was significantly lower in the APP group (8%) than in the control group (17%) (P = .0023). The adenoma detection rate was significantly higher in the APP group (35% vs 27% in controls) (P = .0324). Use of the APP was accompanied by a lower level of non-compliance with correct laxative intake (P =.0080) and diet instructions (P = .0089). The APP group reported a lower level of discomfort during preparation (P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

In a randomized trial, reinforcing patient education with a smartphone application optimized bowel preparation in the 3 days before colonoscopy, increasing bowel cleanliness, adenoma detection, and compliance in patients undergoing CRC screening or surveillance. ClinicalTrials.gov no: NCT03290157.

Educational Video on the WeChat Platform Can Effectively Improve the Quality of Bowel Preparation: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Study

Bowel preparation is a core issue in the quality of colonoscopy. We attempted to investigate whether an educational video via WeChat (a widely used mobile social media app) improved the compliance of patients and quality of bowel preparation. We enrolled 198 colonoscopy patients aged 35-70 years. They were randomly divided into the WeChat group (100 cases) and the control group (98 cases). The outcomes were the compliance of patients in the bowel preparation process and quality of the bowel preparation according to the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale. Participants' compliance increased markedly in the WeChat group compared with the control group (P < 0.01). The total Boston Bowel Preparation Scale score was significantly higher in the WeChat group than in the control group (7.02 ± 1.75 vs. 6.45 ± 1.91, respectively, p < .05). The intubation time (minutes) of colonoscopy in the WeChat group was shorter than that in the control group (7.38 ± 1.37 vs. 7.88 ± 1.39, respectively, p < .05). Our data confirmed that an educational video via WeChat can improve the quality of bowel preparation. It can also increase the compliance of bowel preparation and shorten the intubation time of colonoscopy.

Video-based education improves the image quality of diagnostic percutaneous cerebral angiography among elderly patients

Objective

Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is considered the gold standard for cerebral vasculature observation and is increasingly applied among the elderly population. The aim of this study is to determine whether the use of a video-based education system can improve the image quality of percutaneous cerebral angiography.

Method

This study is a single-blinded prospective cohort trial. One hundred and sixty patients (≥65 years old) were enrolled in this study. Eighty patients were provided with video-based education as intervention. Eighty age-matched controls only received regular education. The DSA image quality was assessed between control and intervention groups. It was rated by two readers on a 5-point scale, independently.

Results

No differences were found between control and intervention groups in baseline characteristics (P > 0.05). The mean overall image quality was significantly higher in patients receiving video-based education than in controls (P < 0.05), and the same trends were found in the respective assessment of each artery (left and right carotid/vertebral artery; P < 0.05). Moreover, the operation time and radiation doses were quite comparable between the two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

This study indicated that video-based education helps elderly patients to acquire improved DSA image quality. It encourages the application of this approach in practice.

WeChat-based mHealth intention and preferences among people living with schizophrenia

BACKGROUND

The past few decades have seen a rapid expansion of mHealth programs among people with serious mental illness, yet mHealth for schizophrenia is in a much earlier stage of development. This study examined the intention of WeChat-based mHealth programs among people living with schizophrenia (PLS) and evaluated correlates of the intention.

METHODS

A total of 400 PLS aged 18-77 completed a cross-sectional survey by face-to-face interviews. The survey included a general question asking about participants' willingness to attend WeChat-based mHealth programs, followed by preferences of three specific WeChat-based programs: psychoeducation, peer support, and professional support. PLS symptoms, functioning and disability were measured using the 18-item Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS-18), the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF), and the 12-item World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0), respectively. A multivariate logistic regression was used to determine correlates of program participation intention.

RESULTS

Over forty percent (43%, n = 172) of participants were willing to participate in WeChat-based mHealth programs, among whom preferences for each specific program were shown in descending order: psychoeducation (68.60%), professional support (60.47%), and peer support (52.33%). A multivariate analysis revealed that younger age (OR: 0.13-0.20, 95% CI [0.05-0.43]), higher education (OR: 3.48-6.84, 95% CI [1.69-18.21]), and lower disability (OR: 0.97, 95% CI [0.94-0.99]) were all independently associated with WeChat-based mHealth program participation intention.

CONCLUSION

The findings provide guidance for further development of WeChat-based mHealth programs among PLS in China, and targeted at those who are younger, well-educated and with lower disability.

Assessing a WeChat-Based Integrative Family Intervention (WIFI) for Schizophrenia: Protocol for a Stepped-Wedge Cluster Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND

Schizophrenia is a persistent and debilitating mental illness, and its prognosis depends largely on supportive care and systematic treatment. In developing countries like China, families constitute the major caregiving force for schizophrenia and are faced with many challenges, such as lack of knowledge, skills, and resources. The approach to support family caregiving in an accessible, affordable, feasible, and cost-effective way remains unclear. The wide-spread use of WeChat provides a promising and cost-effective medium for support.

OBJECTIVE

We aim to present a protocol for assessing a WeChat-based integrative family intervention (WIFI) to support family caregiving for schizophrenia.

METHODS

We will develop a WIFI program that includes the following three core components: (1) psychoeducation (WeChat official account), (2) peer support (WeChat chat group), and (3) professional support (WeChat video chat). A rigorous stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial will be used to evaluate the implementation, effectiveness, and cost of the WIFI program. The WIFI program will be implemented in 12 communities affiliated with Changsha Psychiatric Hospital through the free medicine delivery process in the 686 Program. The 12 communities will be randomized to one of four fixed sequences every 2 months during an 8-month intervention period in four clusters of three communities each. Outcomes will be assessed for both family caregivers and people with schizophrenia. Family caregivers will be assessed for their knowledge and skills about caregiving, social support, coping, perceived stigma, caregiver burden, family functioning, positive feelings, and psychological distress. People with schizophrenia will be assessed for their symptoms, functioning, quality of life, recovery, and rehospitalization. Cost data, such as intervention costs, health care utilization costs, and costs associated with lost productivity, will be collected. Moreover, we will collect process data, including fidelity and quality of program implementation, as well as user attitude data. Treatment effects will be estimated using generalized linear maximum likelihood mixed modeling with clusters as a random effect and time as a fixed effect. Cost-effectiveness analysis will be performed from the societal perspective using incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. Qualitative analysis will use the grounded theory approach and immersion-crystallization process.

RESULTS

The study was funded in August 2018 and approved by the institutional review board on January 15, 2019. Preliminary baseline data collection was conducted in May 2019 and completed in September 2019. The WIFI program is expected to start in September 2020.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to assess a WeChat-based mHealth intervention to support family caregiving for schizophrenia in China. The innovative study will contribute to the development of a more cost-effective and evidence-based family management model in the community for people with schizophrenia, and the approach could potentially be integrated into national policy and adapted for use in other populations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04393896; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04393896.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/18538.

The Prevalence of Smartphones and WeChat Use Among Older Adults With Chronic Disease in a Western China

Telemedicine is a promising way to deliver patient education and health services, but access to information technology among potential patients is a prerequisite. This study surveyed the prevalence of smartphone use and the use of the Chinese social networking platform WeChat and Wi-Fi access in the homes of older adults in a western area of China. A convenience sample of 225 older adults with chronic diseases in two tertiary hospitals was interviewed regarding smartphone ownership, WeChat use, and access to Wi-Fi at home. Participant ability in performing the activities of daily living was also assessed. Logistic regressions were used to analyze the independently associated factors of smartphone ownership, WeChat use, and Wi-Fi access at home. The results show that the prevalence of smartphone use was 19.6%, only 8.9% of those surveyed used WeChat, but 39.6% had access to Wi-Fi at home. Education level was the only factor significantly associated with the three dependent variables. Ability in performing activities of daily living was positively correlated with access to Wi-Fi at home (odds ratio, 2.549; P = .011). It will be difficult to implement telemedicine through smartphones in such relatively poor areas of China. Better-educated older adults who are less dependent in performing activities of daily living are potential users of telemedicine.

Enhanced Patient Education for Colonic Polyp and Adenoma Detection: Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background

To improve patients’ comprehension of bowel preparation instructions before colonoscopy, enhanced patient education (EPE) such as cartoon pictures or other visual aids, phone calls, mobile apps, multimedia education and social media apps have been proposed. However, it is uncertain whether EPE can increase the detection rate of colonic polyps and adenomas.

Objective

This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of EPE in detecting colonic polyps and adenomas.

Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from their inception to June 2019 for the identification of trials comparing the EPE with standard patient education for outpatients undergoing colonoscopy. We used a random effects model to calculate summary estimates of the polyp detection rate (defined as the number of patients with at least one polyp divided by the total number of patients undergoing selective colonoscopy), adenoma detection rate (defined as the number of patients with at least one adenoma divided by the total number of patients undergoing selective colonoscopy), advanced adenoma detection rate (defined as the number of patients with at least one advanced adenoma divided by the total number of patients undergoing selective colonoscopy), sessile serrated adenoma detection rate (defined as the number of patients with at least one sessile serrated adenoma divided by the total number of patients undergoing selective colonoscopy), cancer detection rate (defined as the number of patients with at least one cancer divided by the total number of patients undergoing selective colonoscopy), or adenoma detection rate - plus (defined as the number of additional adenomas found after the first adenoma per colonoscopy). Moreover, we conducted trial sequential analysis (TSA) to determine the robustness of summary estimates of all primary outcomes.

Results

We included 10 randomized controlled trials enrolling 4560 participants for analysis. The meta-analysis suggested that EPE was associated with an increased polyp detection rate (9 trials; 3781 participants; risk ratio [RR] 1.19, 95% CI 1.05-1.35; P<.05; I²=42%) and adenoma detection rate (5 trials; 2133 participants; RR 1.37, 95% CI 1.15-1.64; P<.001; I2=0%), which were established by TSA. Pooled result from the inverse-variance model illustrated an increase in the sessile serrated adenoma detection rate (3 trials; 1248 participants; odds ratio 1.76, 95% CI 1.22-2.53; P<.05; I²=0%). One trial suggested an increase in the adenoma detection rate - plus (RR 4.39, 95% CI 2.91-6.61; P<.001). Pooled estimates from 3 (1649 participants) and 2 trials (1375 participants) generated no evidence of statistical difference for the advanced adenoma detection rate and cancer detection rate, respectively.

Conclusions

The current evidence indicates that EPE should be recommended to instruct bowel preparation in patients undergoing colonoscopy because it can increase the polyp detection rate, adenoma detection rate, and sessile serrated adenoma detection rate. However, further trials are warranted to determine the efficacy of EPE for advanced adenoma detection rate, adenoma detection rate - plus, and cancer detection rate because of limited data.

Reinforced education improves the quality of bowel preparation for colonoscopy: An updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background and aims

Inadequate bowel preparation (BP) is an unfavorable factor that influence the success of colonoscopy. Although standard education (SE) given to patients are proved useful to avoid inadequate BP. Studies concerning the effects of reinforced education (RE) on the quality of BP were inconsistent. The aim of this updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trial was to compare the quality of BP between patients receiving RE in addition to SE and those receiving SE alone.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library were systemically searched to identify the relevant studies published through April 2019. The primary outcome was the rate of adequate BP. Subgroup analyses were conducted. Secondary outcomes included BP score, adenoma detection rate (ADR), polyp detection rate (PDR), insertion time, withdrawal time, adverse events, >80% purgative intake and diet compliance. Dichotomous variables were reported as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Continuous data were reported as mean difference (MD) with 95%CI. Pooled estimates of OR or MD were calculated using a random-effects model. Statistical heterogeneity was accessed by calculating the I2 value. A P value less than 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

A total of 18 randomized controlled trails (N = 6536) were included in this meta-analysis. Patients who received RE had a better BP quality than those only receiving SE (OR 2.59, 95%CI: 2.09–3.19; P<0.001). A higher ADR (OR 1.35; 95%CI: 1.06–1.72; P = 0.020) and PDR (OR 1.24, 95%CI: 1.02–1.50; P = 0.030), shorter insertion (MD -0.76; 95%CI: -1.48-(-0.04); P = 0.040) and withdrawal time (MD -0.83; 95%CI: -1.83-(-0.28); P = 0.003), less nausea/vomiting (OR 0.78; 95%CI: 0.64–0.97; P = 0.020) and abdominal distension (OR 0.72; 95%CI: 0.68–0.92; P = 0.020) were achieved in the RE group. More patients had >80% purgative intake (OR 2.17; 95%CI, 1.09–4.32; P = 0.030) and were compliant with diet restriction (OR 2.38; 95%CI: 1.79–3.17; P<0.001) in the RE group.

Conclusion

RE significantly improved BP quality, increased ADR and PDR, decreased insertion and withdrawal time and adverse events.

Educating Patients by Providing Timely Information Using Smartphone and Tablet Apps: Systematic Review

Background

Patient education is a crucial element within health care. It is a known predictor for increased engagement in shared decision making, improved medication and treatment adherence, higher levels of satisfaction, and even better treatment outcomes. Unfortunately, often patients only remember a very limited amount of medical information. An important reason is that most patients are simply not capable of processing large amounts of new medical information in a short time. Apps for smartphones and tablets have the potential to actively educate patients by providing them with timely information through the use of push notifications.

Objective

The objective of this systematic review is to provide an overview of the effects of using smartphone and tablet apps to educate patients with timely education. Within this review, we focused on patients that receive their care in a hospital setting. We assessed the effects of the interventions on outcomes, such as patients’ knowledge about their illness and treatment, adherence to treatment instructions and to medication usage, and satisfaction with the care they received.

Methods

A comprehensive search of MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online), Embase, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), and Web of Science was conducted. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between January 2015 and November 2019 were eligible for inclusion. Two reviewers independently searched and screened articles, assessed study quality and risk of bias, and extracted the data. Due to the heterogeneity of populations, interventions, and outcomes, a meta-analysis was not deemed appropriate. Instead, a narrative synthesis is presented.

Results

A total of 21 RCTs with 4106 participants were included. Compared to usual care, overall effectiveness of the interventions was demonstrated in 69% of the outcomes. Effectiveness increased to 82% when the intervention had a duration shorter than one month and increased to 78% when the intervention provided at least one push notification per week. The interventions showed the highest effects on satisfaction with information, adherence to treatment instructions and to medication usage, clinical outcomes, and knowledge.

Conclusions

This review demonstrates that educating patients with timely medical information through their smartphones or tablets improves their levels of knowledge, medication or treatment adherence, satisfaction, and clinical outcomes, as well as having a positive effect on health care economics. These effects are most pronounced in interventions with a short duration (ie, less than a month) and with a high frequency of messages to patients (ie, once per week or more). With the knowledge that patient education is a predictor for improved outcomes and the fact that patients have obvious difficulties processing large amounts of new medical information, we suggest incorporating the delivery of timely information through smartphone and tablet apps within current medical practices.

Correlation of Cleanliness among Different Bowel Segments during Colonoscopy: A Retrospective Study

Objective

To analyze the correlation of intestinal cleanliness in each segment of the Boston Intestinal Preparation Scale.

Methods

From February 2017 to October 2019, the data of patients who underwent colonoscopy in the Department of Gastroenterology, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, were collected. Statistical analysis was performed according to the Boston Intestinal Preparation Scale score, and the correlation of intestinal cleanliness in each region was obtained.

Results

A total of 1739 patients were included. The overall score of BBPS was 6.77 ± 1.88. The scores of each region were 2.04 ± 0.84 (right lateral colon), 2.25 ± 0.68 (transverse colon), and 2.48 ± 0.64 (left colon). The difference between the regions was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The bowel cleanliness showed a gradual deterioration trend, and there was a positive correlation between colon cleanliness in each region. The accuracy of the transverse colon in predicting the right colon (AUC = 0.809) is higher than that of the left colon (AUC = 0.735), and the accuracy of predicting the cleanliness of the right colon intestinal tract by the cleanliness of the left colon intestinal tract is relatively low.

Conclusion

Intestinal cleanliness gradually deteriorates from the direction of the insert. It is not reliable to predict the right side of poor cleanliness by using the left colon intestinal cleanliness (BBPS 0-1 score). It should continue to further endoscopy. When the cleanliness of the transverse colon is poor, then stopping further endoscopy is considered.

Educational virtual reality videos in improving bowel preparation quality and satisfaction of outpatients undergoing colonoscopy: protocol of a randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Colonoscopy is the reference method in screening and diagnosis of colorectal neoplasm, but its efficacy is closely related to the quality of bowel preparation. Poor patient compliance is a major risk factor for inadequate bowel preparation likely due to poor patient education. Such an education is usually provided via either oral or written instructions by clinicians. However, multiple education methods, such as smartphone applications, have been proved useful in aiding patients through bowel preparation. Also, it was reported that a large proportion of patients feel anxious before colonoscopy. Virtual reality (VR) is a novel method to educate patients and provides them with an immersive experience. Theoretically, it can make patients better prepared for bowel preparation and colonoscopy. However, no prospective studies have assessed the role of this novel technology in patient education before colonoscopy. We hypothesise that VR videos can improve bowel preparation quality and reduce pre-procedure anxiety.

METHODS/DESIGN

The trial is a prospective, randomised, single-blinded, single-centre trial. Outpatients who are scheduled to undergo colonoscopy for screening or diagnostic purposes for the first time will be randomised to receive either the conventional patient education or the conventional methods plus VR videos, and 322 patients will be enrolled from the Peking Union Medical College Hospital. The primary endpoint is the quality of bowel preparation, measured by the Boston bowel preparation score. Secondary endpoints include polyp detection rate, adenoma detection rate, cecal intubation rate, patient compliance to complete bowel cleansing, withdrawal time, pre-procedure anxiety, overall satisfaction and willingness for the next colonoscopy.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study has been approved by the institutional review board of the Peking Union Medical College Hospital (No. ZS-1647). The results of this trial will be published in an open-access way and disseminated among gastrointestinal physicians and endoscopists.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03667911.