Bowel preparation for colonoscopy in older adults: a dyadic qualitative study of patient–caregiver challenges and shared needs
Abstract
ObjectiveTo 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.MethodsA 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.ResultsThree 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.ConclusionBowel 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.
Related
- A qualitative study of care management challenges in patients with multiple sclerosis from patient, family caregiver and healthcare provider perspectives
- Initiating levodopa pump therapy: a qualitative study of patient and caregiver perspectives.
- Bowel preparation for colonoscopy in patients with surgically altered anatomy: a narrative review and institutional protocol
- Risk factors for inadequate bowel preparation and quality improvement strategies in colonoscopy: a narrative review
- Patient challenges across the implant-based breast reconstruction journey: A qualitative descriptive study
BibTeX
@article{wang2026bowel,
title = {{Bowel preparation for colonoscopy in older adults: a dyadic qualitative study of patient–caregiver challenges and shared needs}},
author = {Jing Wang and Fangfang Xu and Meng Yang and Zhehao Zhang},
journal = {Frontiers in Public Health},
year = {2026},
month = nov,
doi = {10.3389/fpubh.2026.1836485},
url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2026.1836485},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Bowel preparation for colonoscopy in older adults: a dyadic qualitative study of patient–caregiver challenges and shared needs
AU - Jing Wang
AU - Fangfang Xu
AU - Meng Yang
AU - Zhehao Zhang
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/11/09
JO - Frontiers in Public Health
DO - 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1836485
UR - https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2026.1836485
AB - ObjectiveTo 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.MethodsA 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.ResultsThree 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.ConclusionBowel 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.
SN - 2296-2565
ER -