Increasing Pre-Procedure Communications to Decrease Colonoscopy Cancellations

Problem Statement: Colonoscopies play a vital role in early colorectal disease detection and prevention. Yet, the field of gastroenterology faces a persistent challenge - frequent procedure cancellations and incomplete examinations due to suboptimal bowel preparation. This not only compromises the effectiveness of colonoscopies but also poses potential health risks. Purpose: This project aimed to reduce procedure cancellations and incomplete examinations by regularly communicating pre-procedure instructions and reminders through text messages and phone calls. Inclusion Criteria: The criteria were clearly defined, targeting patients aged 18 and older who needed colonoscopies. This focus ensured the project's relevance to specialized gastrointestinal intervention. Establishing these criteria was core to the project's objective, which sought to provide tailored insights and practical enhancements for adult patients needing colonoscopies. Analysis and Implication for Practice: This effort aimed to elevate patient care standards and improve health outcomes in medical practices. The project's findings could optimize clinical practices and patient management in the field of gastroenterology, fostering continuous advancements and high-quality care. Methods: The quality improvement project used a Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) intervention for ongoing evaluation and improvement.