Open‐access colonoscopy quality indicators and patient perception using split‐dose bowel preparation

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Open‐access (OA) colonoscopies are defined as those scheduled without a gastrointestinal (GI) office visit. Past research has not focused on split preparation use and patient perception within OA. We aim to identify differences in bowel preparation (BP) adequacy, adenoma detection rate (ADR), self‐reported compliance, and patient perception between OA and GI providers using split prep. METHODS: This was a cross‐sectional study using split BP for colonoscopies. Patients completed a survey, and demographics, BP adequacy, and ADR were recorded. BP compliance was self‐reported. Patients were asked three questions qualifying the BP instructions. Data were analyzed using chi square and Mann–Whitney tests by SPSS. RESULTS: BP adequacy was reported for 56 of 60 patients. Twenty‐one participants (38%) were scheduled on OA, and 35 participants (62%) were scheduled after a GI office visit. Adequate BP was more frequent in 86% (18/21) of OA patients compared to 60% (21/35) in the GI group (P = 0.043). OA patients reported better review and explanation of the BP instructions compared to GI patients. There was no statistical difference between the demographics of the OA and GI groups or self‐reported compliance and patient understanding of instructions. CONCLUSION: OA scheduled colonoscopies were associated with more adequate BP. This could be explained by patients' self‐motivation or an explanation of the importance of completing BP. This study supports the use of OA procedures as a standard of care.