Clear instructions for better preps.

Templates for colonoscopy patient education.

Free. Standardized. Customizable.

Patients need simple instructions.

No-shows and cancellations can happen if patients are confused.

A 2020 study found same-day cancellations were more likely when patients did not read all the prep instructions.¹

In a 2023 study, the main reason for same-day cancellations was the patient not being NPO.²

A 2025 study added instructions to avoid marijuana before colonoscopy to reduce preassessment cancellations.³

You don't need to start from scratch.

The templates are 100% free to use under the Creative Commons license.

Consistent structure and visual icons are designed to improve clarity.

You can edit the templates for your clinic's workflow, medications, and policies.

Clinics and researchers are working to improve bowel prep instructions.

Quality improvement projects, patient education studies, and clinical guidelines inform content of these templates.

Prep Folder's own 2025 benchmark study of prep instructions keeps the templates aligned with current clinical practices.

The project is built on collaborative research and open designs.

The goal is to make high-quality prep instructions easier for clinics to use, adapt, and improve over time.

This project is growing.

Prep Folder's newsletter includes updates about templates, research, and other ideas to help patients follow instructions.