The Effect of Mobile Application-Based Training on Bowel Preparation Quality in Pre-Colonoscopy Patients

Adequate bowel preparation is necessary to ensure accurate diagnosis and evaluation during colonoscopy. The aim of this study is to systematically investigate the impact of education provided through mobile applications on bowel preparation quality in individuals undergoing colonoscopy. Studies published between January 2010 and June 2023 were searched on the MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Scopus databases, and Google Scholar with the keywords "colonoscopy, bowel preparation, mobile application, and patient education." Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving mobile applications for bowel preparation, with adult patients (aged 18-80) as participants, were included in the study. In this context, eight RCT studies have been included in the research. In the studies in which evaluations were made with the Boston and Ottawa bowel preparation scales, it was concluded that the bowel preparation quality of the groups trained with the mobile applications was better. Compliance with bowel preparation instructions and satisfaction with the education program were higher in the mobile application groups compared to the control group. No significant difference was found in the studies where the results of colonoscopy quality markers were given. Mobile applications contribute positively to patient education in pre-colonoscopy bowel preparation processes. However, methodological differences and limitations among studies may restrict the generalization of results.