Authors (including presenting author) :
TAM PF(1), LAU PK(1), LEUNG KC(1), NG WP(1), WONG KY(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Department of Surgery, United Christian Hospital
Introduction :
Demand for colonoscopy services at the United Christian Hospital (UCH) Department of Surgery increased from 5684 in 2022 to 7439 in 2024. Patients with better bowel preparation diminishes the need for repetitive colonoscopies, thus decreasing the risk of delays in diagnosis. This program aims to provide comprehensive training to enhance the competency of nursing staff in bowel preparation to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction.
Objectives :
1. To enhance patient’s bowel preparation, reducing delayed diagnoses, repetitive colonoscopies, costs and hospital stays.
2. To reinforce staffs’ knowledge in bowel preparation, enhancing procedural precision and promptly identifying colonic irregularities.
Methodology :
Theoretical and real-time interactive training
A 40-minutes educational program included theoretical and real-time interactive training sessions, covered knowledge and practice in bowel preparation, diet advice, medications, and pre-colonoscopy challenges. Pre- and post- tests, each consisting of 11 questions pertaining to knowledge and skills covered in the program, were administered and followed by an evaluation form.
Evidence-based visual aid
‘Bowel Preparation Readiness Chart’ - a visual aid presenting evidence-based guideline on bowel preparation, has been strategically placed in the restroom of all surgical wards and other accessible locations such as corridors, bedside areas, and admission sets for patients undergoing procedure. It serves as a convenient and sustainable quick reference for nurses and patients, reinforcing standard bowel preparation.
Result & Outcome :
A total 25 nursing staff ranking from EN to WM participated, representing a quarter of the department’s nursing staff. The mean score of post-test evaluating participants’ knowledge was 9 out of 11, compared to 5 in the pre-test, showing an increase of 36%.
Participants showing low levels of confidence in performing bowel preparation
dropped drastically from 68% to 32% after attending the program.
32% of participants who exhibited high confidence in their knowledge of bowel preparation in both the pre- and post-tests failed the pre-test, indicating a "confidently incompetent" status. However, after attending the program, these same participants scored 9 out of 11 on the post-test, demonstrating a shift to "confidently competent."
With dozens of patients undergoing colonoscopy day-by-day in surgical wards, feedback indicated the program could empower nursing staffs’ confidence and competence in bowel preparation, minimizing patients’ suffering from repetitive colonoscopies. Comments on the visual aid were positive, favoring its easy-to-read and easy-to-follow evidence-based guideline for nurses and patients in ensuring better bowel preparation.
