Comparison of Comfort and Tolerability Between Split-dose and Single-dose Bowel Preparation Regimens Using Polyethylene Glycol Electrolyte: A Quasi-experimental Study
Comparison of Comfort and Tolerability Between Split-dose and Single-dose Bowel Preparation Regimens Using Polyethylene Glycol Electrolyte: A Quasi-experimental Study
The goal of this quasi-experimental study was to compare the effect of single-dose and split-dose 3L compound polyethylene glycol electrolyte powder (PEG) regimen on the quality, comfort and tolerability of bowel preparation in patients who would undergo colonoscopy examination or treatment.
Participants in group A received a split-dose 3L PEG regimen, with 1L PEG taken on the night before the colonoscopy and 2L PEG taken 4-6 hours before the procedure. Participants in group B received a single-dose 3L PEG taken 4-6 hours before the colonoscopy.
Related guidelines recommend a split-dose method for bowel preparation. However, this regimen also has limitations, such as affect patients' sleep and that of other patients in the ward, and exacerbate their discomfort due to increased hunger. This quasi-experimental study aims to investigate the effect of single-dose and split-dose 3L compound polyethylene glycol electrolyte powder (PEG) regimen on the quality, comfort and tolerability of bowel preparation.
A total of 101 patients scheduled for colonoscopy in two gastroenterology wards in a Chinese university hospital from January to June 2021 were enrolled in the study.
Patients in one department (group A) were given the 3L PEG in two doses: 1L of PEG was taken from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm on the night before the examination, and the remaining 2L of PEG were taken from 4:00 am to 6:00 am on the day of the examination, with 250 mL taken every 15 minutes until finished. Patients in the other department (group B) were given 3L of PEG in a single dose, which was taken gradually from around 3-4 am, 4-6 hours before the examination. Patients in group B were also instructed to take 250 mL every 15 minutes until the 3L were finished.
The bowel preparation quality, comfort, sleep quality, adverse reactions, acceptance, and compliance were evaluated.
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria: