BACKGROUND
Colonoscopy is the standard diagnostic method for colorectal cancer. Patients usually receive written and verbal instructions for bowel preparation (BP) before the procedure. Failure to understand the importance of BP can lead to inadequate levels of over 25% to 30%. Quality of BP impacts the success of colonoscopy in diagnostic yield and adenoma detection.
OBJECTIVE
we developed the "ColonClean" mobile health (mHealth) application (app) for Android devices. It incorporates visual representations of dietary guidelines, steps for using bowel cleansing agents, and observations of the last bowel movement.
METHODS
We used the technology acceptance model (TAM) to investigate whether using the ColonClean mHealth app can enhance users' attitudes and behaviors towards BP. The study is aimed to investigate the correlation among perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude toward usage, and actual usage behavior. Forty outpatients who were physically and mentally healthy and proficient in Chinese were randomly chosen for this study. The data was analyzed using SPSS 25.0, with the utilization of Pearson Product-Moment Correlation and Simple Regression Analysis to predict the perception of ColonClean.
RESULTS
The results showed that 75% achieved an "excellent" or "good" level of BP according to the Aronchick Bowel Preparation Scale (ABPS). Perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use of the ColonClean mHealth app were positively correlated with users' attitudes and behaviors.
CONCLUSIONS
ColonClean mHealth app serves as an educational reference and enhances the effectiveness of BP. Users expressed their willingness to use the app again in the future and recommend it to family and friends, highlighting its effectiveness as an educational guide for BP.
CLINICALTRIAL
The study was approved by Taipei Veterans General Hospital Institutional Review Board (No.2021-10-007AC)