Predicting bowel preparation quality before colonoscopy: a prospective observational study
Bowel preparation quality
Type of Study This is a prospective exploratory observational cohort study aimed at collecting multimodal data from patients scheduled for colonoscopy, in order to develop machine learning models for predicting bowel preparation quality and other procedure-related outcomes. Study Population and Groups Participants will be adults (aged ≥18 years) scheduled for elective colonoscopy at participating clinical sites. Participants will be identified through referral and scheduling pathways. Eligible participants will receive a patient information sheet and offered the chance to enrol in the study. Planned Number of Participants and Sample Size Justification This exploratory study aims to develop a predictive model, and therefore no formal sample size calculation has been performed. At UCLH, approximately 6,000 colonoscopies are performed annually, and we anticipate the potential to enrol up to 1,000 participants over a 22-month recruitment period. Given the study’s exploratory nature, the precise sample size required for model development is not yet known. Larger studies will be needed to evaluate the performance of the model once developed. Sampling Technique and Rationale Convenience sampling will be used, recruiting consecutive eligible participants from scheduled colonoscopy lists at UCLH. This approach allows practical feasibility and accessibility of data collection. It ensures efficient data capture without disrupting clinical workflows, while providing sufficient variability in bowel preparation quality and participant characteristics. Participants in other relevant clinical contexts may also be recruited using convenience sampling, where suitable opportunities arise. These may include outpatient gastroenterology clinics or inpatient hospital wards. Data to be Collected and How Data will include: Demographics (age, sex, ethnicity), medical and surgical history, medication history, previous colonoscopy reports and BBPS scores, smart device metrics, self-repor
1. Aged 18 years or older 2. Able to give informed consent 3. Access to a smartphone and willing to capture and upload stool images 4. Scheduled for an outpatient or inpatient colonoscopy at UCLH
1. Failure to provide informed consent 2. Unwilling or unable to use a smartphone for stool image capture and upload 3. Aged under 18 years