Bowel preparation for colonoscopy in older adults: a dyadic qualitative study of patient–caregiver challenges and shared needs

Objective To explore the challenges experienced by older adults and their primary caregivers during bowel preparation for colonoscopy, examine their interaction and task coordination, and identify shared needs for nursing support. Methods A descriptive qualitative study was conducted. Fourteen older adults and their 14 primary family caregivers were recruited using purposive sampling. Joint semi-structured interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Results Three themes were identified: (1) patient vulnerability reshaped dyadic roles and task allocation; (2) caregiver role expansion and fragmented information constrained dyadic coordination; and (3) shared needs for dyadic and process-sensitive support. Conclusion Bowel preparation among functionally vulnerable older adults should be understood as a patient-caregiver dyadic care process rather than an individual task. Nursing support should address the capacities and interactions of both dyad members and extend across the preparation pathway through joint planning, practical guidance, and coordinated clinical services.