NURSING INTERVENTIONS TO IMPROVE PATIENT PREPARATION FOR DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY TESTING (E.G., FASTING, MEDICATION TIMING) A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
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Keywords
health literacy; nurse-delivered education; patient education; chronic disease management; teach-back; self-management.
Abstract
Background: Diagnostic laboratory testing plays a central role in disease detection, monitoring, and treatment planning. However, the accuracy and validity of test results can be compromised by inadequate patient preparation, particularly in areas such as fasting requirements, medication timing, and lifestyle restrictions. Nurses are at the frontline of patient education and communication, and their interventions can directly influence the quality of pre-analytical processes. Objective: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of nursing interventions—specifically education, counseling, and communication strategies—in improving patient preparation for diagnostic laboratory testing and ensuring test validity. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library for studies published between 2000 and 2025. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, observational studies, and systematic reviews that assessed the role of nurses in preparing patients for laboratory testing. Inclusion criteria focused on studies that measured outcomes related to patient adherence to preparation instructions (e.g., fasting, medication adjustments), test accuracy, and patient satisfaction. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers. Results: A total of 22 studies met the inclusion criteria. Evidence consistently demonstrated that structured nursing interventions—including individualized education, written instructions, reminder calls, and use of digital tools—significantly improved adherence to fasting protocols and medication timing. Improved patient compliance was associated with higher validity of laboratory results, fewer repeat tests, and reduced healthcare costs. Furthermore, patient-centered communication enhanced satisfaction and understanding, particularly among populations with low health literacy. Conclusion: Nursing interventions, especially those emphasizing clear communication and multimodal education, are effective in optimizing patient preparation for diagnostic laboratory testing. By reinforcing adherence to fasting and medication timing protocols, nurses help safeguard the validity of test results and contribute to overall care quality. Future studies should explore the integration of digital health tools and culturally tailored communication strategies to further enhance patient engagement. Keywords: Nursing interventions, patient preparation, diagnostic laboratory testing, fasting, medication timing, communication, test validity
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