Question

You have been asked to create a brief education program to prepare outpatients for screening colonoscopy for the gastroenterology department at the hospital where you work. The request was made because feedback from a significant number of patients who received the screening last year indicated that they wished they would have known what to expect in advance.
Identify the theory or theoretical model that would be the best fit for use in developing an intervention or education program to address the issue and population depicted in the scenario above.

Answer 1

Patient education on colonoscopy

• colonoscopy is the procedure to detect abnormalities or changes in the large intestine and rectum,for which a long flexible tube is inserted into the rectum.
• It is performed to investigate abdominal signs and symptoms,screen for colon cancer,to look for polyps and removes polyps and abnormal tissues and also for biopsies.
• There are risks like bleeding and perforation of colon or rectal wall.
• Before colonoscopy patients needs to empty their bowel,any residue in colon may obscure the view of colon and rectum during examination.
• On the day of examination patient is kept Npo from midnight.Drinks may be limited to clear liquids like plain water,tea and coffee without milk.
• Patient is instructed to take laxatives the night before colonoscopy and the morning on the day of procedure, as per the physician's order.
• Withhold the regular anticoagulant medications and cardiac drugs as per the order of physician.
• Inform the physician if the patient is having any underlying diseases like diabetes,hypertension or cardiac issues.
• The procedure usually lasts about 30-60 minutes.

Health Belief model is a theoretical model that can be used to guide health promotion and disease prevention.The constructs in this theory are,Perceived susceptibility,perceived severity,perceived benefits,perceived barriers,cues to action and self efficacy.