Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Major

Nursing

Date of Defense

7-6-2022

Graduate Advisor

Diane Saleska

Committee

Diane Saleska

Susan Dean-Baar

Kayte Posadny

Abstract

Abstract

Problem: Colorectal cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer in the United States (Gu et al., 2019). A colonoscopy procedure is the best diagnostic tool to evaluate the colon for pre-cancerous and cancerous polyps (Dang et al., 2020). Inadequate bowel preparation decreases colon visualization where adenomatous colon lesions may be missed.

Methods: Using an observational, pre/post design, a chart review was conducted for this QI project. Quantitative data comparing Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) scores was collected on patients who received nurse-led phone calls one month prior to a colonoscopy, and patients who received phone calls one week prior to a colonoscopy. 100 patients pre-implementation and 100 patients post-implementation were included. Additional data collected was completion of bowel preparation and adherence to clear liquids the day prior to procedure time as reported by patients.

Results: An independent samples t-test was conducted to compare BBPS scores for the pre and post groups. There was a significant difference in the score with the pre group results as (M=7.2, SD=1.2) and the post group results as (M=7.6, SD=.83); t(198)= -2.66, p= .009.

Implications for Practice: Pre-procedural phone calls made within one week of colonoscopy procedure in comparison with one month before procedure increases bowel preparation scores. Facilities providing colonoscopy services should implement this process into regular practice.

Keywords:

Colonoscopy, bowel preparation, BBPS score, nurse-led phone calls

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