Improving Colonoscopy Preparation Using Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Objective: Colonoscopy is a handy tool in preventing and diagnosing colorectal cancer. Its optimal performance requires adequate preparation for good visualization of the mucosa. In our endoscopy unit, we use the Boston scale to evaluate the quality of bowel preparation. The present work intends to assess whether or not an additional intervention with an educational video on the Internet could improve the result of preparation using the Boston scale for colonoscopy to enhance the visualization and detection of adenomas. Methods: A double-masked, randomized clinical trial. One group of patients received printed instructions on colonoscopy preparation, and another group received the same preparation plus the form contained a link and instructions to access and view a colonoscopy video posted on YouTube. Results: A highly significant difference was observed between the means of the Boston preparation score for the group that watched the video versus the group that did not (8.16 vs. 6.75; p < 0.0001). A significant difference was also found in the Boston score by segments of the colon: right (2.6 vs. 1.9; p < 0.001), transverse (2.7 vs. 2.3; p < 0.0001), and left (2.8 vs. 2.5; p < 0.0001). Concerning the adenoma detection rate, it was higher in the group that watched the video (28%) than in the group that did not (21%); however, the difference was not significant (p = 0.33). Conclusion: Watching an educational video significantly improves the quality of colonoscopy preparation through the Boston scale and the detection of adenomas; however, this difference was not significant, possibly due to a lack of a larger sample.