Online Nursing Counseling and Colonoscopy Outcomes

The Effect of Nurse-Delivered Online Counseling on Invasive Pain, Anxiety, and Comfort Levels in Patients Undergoing Colonoscopy

This randomized controlled experimental study was conducted in the endoscopy unit of a private hospital between March and June 2023 to evaluate the effect of nurse-delivered counseling on pain, anxiety, and comfort levels in patients undergoing colonoscopy. Sixty patients were assigned to intervention (n=30) and control (n=30) groups. The intervention group received counseling beginning 24 hours before the procedure, including face-to-face education, telephone support, and reminder messages, while the control group received routine care. Anxiety was assessed using the State Anxiety Scale, and pain and comfort were evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale.

This randomized controlled experimental study was conducted in the endoscopy unit of a private hospital between March 2023 and June 2023. The study was designed to evaluate the effect of nurse-delivered online counseling on pain, anxiety, and comfort levels in patients undergoing colonoscopy. Sixty eligible patients were assigned to either an intervention group (n=30) or a control group (n=30) using the minimization method. Patients in the intervention group received online counseling based on standard colonoscopy preparation materials beginning approximately 24 hours before the procedure, including face-to-face education, telephone support, and reminder messages. Patients in the control group received routine care only. Anxiety was assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, while pain and comfort were evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale. Outcome measures were collected before and after the colonoscopy procedure.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥18 years
• Literate
• No communication or hearing impairment
• Conscious and able to respond to questions
• Scheduled for colonoscopy
• Not using regular analgesic or antidepressant medications
• Voluntary participation
• No prior colonoscopy
• No diagnosis of colorectal cancer
• No diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease
• No diagnosis of Crohn's disease
• Access to the internet and a smartphone, tablet, or computer
• Able to use WhatsApp

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age <18 years
• Illiterate
• Presence of communication or hearing impairment
• Cognitive impairment or inability to provide informed consent
• Not scheduled for colonoscopy
• Regular use of analgesic or antidepressant medications
• Refusal to participate
• History of prior colonoscopy
• Diagnosis of colorectal cancer
• Diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease
• Diagnosis of Crohn's disease
• No access to the internet or lack of a smartphone, tablet, or computer
• Inability to use WhatsApp