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Buswell M, Goodman C, Roe B, Russell B, Norton C, Harwood R, Fader M, Harari D, Drennan VM, Malone JR, Madden M, Bunn F. What Works to Improve and Manage Fecal Incontinence in Care Home Residents Living With Dementia? A Realist Synthesis of the Evidence. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2017; 18:752-760.e1. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2017.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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MacMillan TE, Kamali R, Cavalcanti RB. Missed Opportunity to Deprescribe: Docusate for Constipation in Medical Inpatients. Am J Med 2016; 129:1001.e1-7. [PMID: 27154771 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2016.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Revised: 04/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hospital admissions provide an opportunity to deprescribe ineffective medications and reduce pill burden. Docusate sodium is a stool softener that is frequently prescribed to treat constipation despite poor evidence for efficacy, thus providing a good target for deprescription. The aims of this study were to characterize rates of use and discontinuation of docusate among internal medicine inpatients, as well as use of other laxatives. METHODS We conducted a retrospective observational study over 1 year on all patients admitted to internal medicine at 2 urban academic hospitals to determine rates of docusate use. We also evaluated laxative and opioid medication use on a random sample of 500 inpatients who received docusate to characterize patterns of prescription and deprescription. RESULTS Fifteen percent (1169/7581) of all admitted patients received 1 or more doses of docusate. Among our random sample, 53% (238/452) received docusate before admission, and only 13% (31/238) had docusate deprescribed. Among patients not receiving docusate before admission, 33.2% (71/214) received a new prescription for docusate on discharge. Patients receiving opioids were frequently prescribed no laxatives or given docusate monotherapy (28%, 51/185). CONCLUSIONS Docusate was frequently prescribed to medical inpatients despite its known ineffectiveness, with low deprescription and high numbers of new prescriptions. Docusate use was common even among patients at high risk of constipation. One third of patients not receiving docusate before admission were prescribed docusate on discharge, potentially exacerbating polypharmacy. Among patients already receiving docusate, 80% had it continued on discharge, indicating significant missed opportunities for deprescribing. Given the availability of effective alternatives, our results suggest that quality-improvement initiatives are needed to promote evidence-based laxative use in hospitalized patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas E MacMillan
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; HoPingKong Centre for Excellence in Education and Practice, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Reza Kamali
- HoPingKong Centre for Excellence in Education and Practice, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rodrigo B Cavalcanti
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; HoPingKong Centre for Excellence in Education and Practice, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Ostaszkiewicz J, O'Connell B, Dunning T. Fear and overprotection in Australian residential aged-care facilities: The inadvertent impact of regulation on quality continence care. Australas J Ageing 2015; 35:119-26. [DOI: 10.1111/ajag.12218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joan Ostaszkiewicz
- Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research; School of Nursing and Midwifery; Deakin University; Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Beverly O'Connell
- Faculty of Nursing; University of Manitoba; Winnipeg Manitoba Canada
| | - Trisha Dunning
- Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research, School of Nursing and Midwifery; Deakin University; Geelong Victoria Australia
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Goodman C, Rycroft Malone J, Norton C, Harari D, Harwood R, Roe B, Russell B, Fader M, Buswell M, Drennan VM, Bunn F. Reducing and managing faecal incontinence in people with advanced dementia who are resident in care homes: protocol for a realist synthesis. BMJ Open 2015; 5:e007728. [PMID: 26163032 PMCID: PMC4499729 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-007728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Faecal incontinence (FI) is the involuntary loss of liquid or solid stool that is a social or hygienic problem. The prevalence of FI in residents of care homes is high, but it is not an inevitable consequence of old age or dementia. There is good evidence on risk factors, but few studies provide evidence about effective interventions. There is a need to understand how, why, and in what circumstances particular programmes to reduce and manage FI are effective (or not) for people with dementia. The purpose of this review is to identify which (elements of the) interventions could potentially be effective, and examine the barriers and facilitators to the acceptability, uptake and implementation of interventions designed to address FI in people with dementia who are resident in care homes. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A realist synthesis approach to review the evidence will be used which will include studies on continence, person-centred care, implementation research in care homes, workforce and research on care home culture. An iterative four-stage approach is planned. Phase 1: development of an initial programme theory or theories that will be 'tested' through a first scoping of the literature and consultation with five stakeholder groups (care home providers, user representatives, academics and practice educators, clinicians with a special interest in FI and continence specialists). Phase 2: a systematic search and analysis of published and unpublished evidence to test and develop the programme theories identified in phase 1. Phase 3: validation of programme theory/ies with a purposive sample of participants from phase 1. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The overall protocol does not require ethical review. The University research ethics committee will review interviews conducted as part of phase 1 and 3. The final fourth phase will synthesise and develop recommendations for practice and develop testable hypotheses for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Goodman
- Centre for Research in Primary and Community Care, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Jo Rycroft Malone
- School of Healthcare Sciences, Bangor University School of Health Care Sciences, Bangor, UK
| | - Christine Norton
- Florence Nightingale School of Nursing & Midwifery, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Danielle Harari
- Division of Health and Social Care, Department of Ageing and Health, Guys and St Thomas’, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Rowan Harwood
- Health Care of Older People Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Brenda Roe
- Faculty of Health and Social Care, Edge Hill University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Bridget Russell
- Centre for Research in Primary and Community Care, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Mandy Fader
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Marina Buswell
- Centre for Research in Primary and Community Care, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Vari M Drennan
- Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, St Georges University of London and Kingston University, UK
| | - Frances Bunn
- Centre for Research in Primary and Community Care, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
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Saga S, Vinsnes AG, Mørkved S, Norton C, Seim A. Prevalence and correlates of fecal incontinence among nursing home residents: a population-based cross-sectional study. BMC Geriatr 2013; 13:87. [PMID: 24119057 PMCID: PMC3765783 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2318-13-87] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2013] [Accepted: 08/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fecal incontinence is highly prevalent among nursing home residents. Previous nursing home studies have identified co-morbidity associated with fecal incontinence, but as this population is increasingly old and frail, we wanted to see if the rate of fecal incontinence had increased and to investigate correlates of fecal incontinence further. Methods Cross-sectional study of the entire nursing home population in one Norwegian municipality. Registered nurses filled in a questionnaire for all residents in the municipality (980 residents aged ≥65). Statistical methods used are descriptive statistics, binary logistic regression and multivariable logistic regression. Results The response rate of the study was 90.3%. The prevalence of fecal incontinence was 42.3%. In multivariable analysis of FI, residents with diarrhea (OR 7.33, CI 4.39-12.24), urinary incontinence (OR 2.77, CI 1.73-4.42) and dementia (OR 2.17, CI 1.28-3.68) had higher odds of having fecal incontinence compared to those without the condition. Residents residing in a nursing home between 4–5 years had higher odds of having fecal incontinence compared to residents who had stayed under a year (OR 2.65, CI 1.20-5.85). Residents with deficiency in feeding (2.17, CI 1.26-3.71), dressing (OR 4.03, CI 1.39-11.65), toilet use (OR 7.37, CI 2.65-20.44) and mobility (OR 2.54, CI 1.07-6.00) had higher odds of having fecal incontinence compared to residents without deficiencies in activities of daily living (ADL). Needing help for transfer between bed and chair was a protective factor for fecal incontinence compared to residents who transferred independently (OR 0.49, CI 0.26-0.91). Conclusions Fecal incontinence is a prevalent condition in the nursing home population and is associated with ADL decline, frailty, diarrhea and quality of care. This knowledge is important for staff in nursing home in order to provide the best treatment and care for residents with fecal incontinence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Saga
- Faculty of Nursing, Sør-Trøndelag University College, Trondheim, 7004, Norway.
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I costi della stipsi cronica non organica in pazienti ricoverati in Centri di assistenza per anziani. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/bf03320606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Sinclair M. The use of abdominal massage to treat chronic constipation. J Bodyw Mov Ther 2010; 15:436-45. [PMID: 21943617 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2010.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2009] [Revised: 06/28/2010] [Accepted: 07/19/2010] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Constipation is a disorder of gastrointestinal motility characterized by difficult or decreased bowel movements, and is a common condition in Western countries. Laxatives are the most common strategy for managing constipation. However, long-term use of some laxatives may be associated with harmful side-effects including increased constipation and fecal impaction. Abdominal massage, once an accepted method of treating constipation, is no longer standard of care, but may be a desirable therapy for this condition because it is inexpensive, non-invasive, free of harmful side-effects, and can be performed by patients themselves. However, until recently, evidence for its effectiveness was not strong enough to make a recommendation for its use in constipated patients. In 1999, Ernst reviewed all available controlled clinical trials, and found that there was no sound evidence for the effectiveness of abdominal massage in the treatment of chronic constipation. This article reviews scientific evidence from 1999 to the present, regarding abdominal massage as an intervention for chronic constipation. Since that time, studies have demonstrated that abdominal massage can stimulate peristalsis, decrease colonic transit time, increase the frequency of bowel movements in constipated patients, and decrease the feelings of discomfort and pain that accompany it. There is also good evidence that massage can stimulate peristalsis in patients with post-surgical ileus. Individual case reports show that massage has been effective for patients with constipation due to a variety of diagnosed physiologic abnormalities, as well as in patients with long-term functional constipation.
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Abstract
SummaryFaecal incontinence in older people is a distressing and socially isolating symptom and increases the risk of morbidity, mortality and dependency. Many older individuals with faecal incontinence will not volunteer the problem to their general practitioner or nurse and, regrettably, health care providers do not routinely enquire about the symptom. Even when older people are noted by health care professionals to have faecal incontinence, the condition is often managed passively, especially in the long-term care setting where it is most prevalent. The importance of identifying treatable causes of faecal incontinence in older people, rather than just managing passively, is strongly emphasized in national and international guidance, but audit shows that adherence to such guidance is generally poor. This article describes epidemiology, causes, assessment, diagnosis and treatment of faecal incontinence in older people.
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Akpan A, Gosney MA, Barret J. Factors contributing to fecal incontinence in older people and outcome of routine management in home, hospital and nursing home settings. Clin Interv Aging 2008; 2:139-45. [PMID: 18044086 PMCID: PMC2684087 DOI: 10.2147/ciia.2007.2.1.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Fecal loading, cognitive impairment, loose stools, functional disability, comorbidity and anorectal incontinence are recognized as factors contributing to loss of fecal continence in older adults. The objective of this project was to assess the relative distribution of these factors in a variety of settings along with the outcome of usual management. Methods: One hundred and twenty adults aged 65 years and over with fecal incontinence recruited by convenience sampling from four different settings were studied. They were either living at home or in a nursing home or receiving care on an acute or rehabilitation elderly care ward. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit which factors associated with fecal incontinence were present from subjects who had given written informed consent or for whom assent for inclusion in the study had been obtained. Results: Fecal loading (Homes 6 [20%]; Acute care wards 17 [57%]; Rehabilitation wards 19 [63%]; Nursing homes 21 [70%]) and functional disability (Homes 5 [17%]; Acute care wards 25 [83%]; Rehabilitation wards 25 [83%]; Nursing homes 20 [67%]) were significantly more prevalent in the hospital and nursing home settings than in those living at home (P < 0.01). Loose stools were more prevalent in the hospital setting than in the other settings (Homes 11 [37%]; Acute care wards 20 [67%]; Rehabilitation wards 17 [57%]; Nursing homes 6 [20%]) (P < 0.01). Cognitive impairment was significantly more common in the nursing home than in the other settings (Nursing homes 26 [87%], Homes 5 [17%], Acute care wards 13 [43%], Rehabilitation wards 14 [47%]) (P < 0.01). Loose stools were the most prevalent factor present at baseline in 13 of the 19 (68%) subjects whose fecal incontinence had resolved at 3 months. Conclusion: The distribution of the factors contributing to fecal incontinence in older people living at home differs from those cared for in nursing home and hospital wards settings. These differences need to be borne in mind when assessing people in different settings. Management appears to result in a cure for those who are not significantly disabled with loose stools as a cause for their fecal incontinence, but this would need to be confirmed by further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asangaedem Akpan
- Directorate of Medicine and Elderly Care, Warrington Hospital, Warrington, Cheshire, UK.
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Stenzelius K, Westergren A, Hallberg IR. Bowel function among people 75+ reporting faecal incontinence in relation to help seeking, dependency and quality of life. J Clin Nurs 2007; 16:458-68. [PMID: 17335521 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2702.2005.01549.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The aim was to compare faecal incontinence and related bowel symptoms among men and women and being dependent or not (aged >or=75 years) and furthermore to identify which bowel symptoms predicted help seeking, dependency and low quality of life (QoL). BACKGROUND Faecal incontinence (FI) in old age is a common condition and influences daily life to a great extent, although few actually seek medical help. METHODS A total of 248 people with reported difficulties controlling faeces answered a postal questionnaire or were interviewed with questions about FI-related bowel symptoms. A factor analysis resulted in four areas of bowel symptoms and was used in logistic regression with help seeking, dependency and low QoL as dependent variables. RESULTS Of all the subjects, 56.4% had leakage, 54.7% did not reach the toilet in time, 55.6% had incomplete emptying, 27.9% had hard stool, 36.8% bother from moisture from the anus, 32.2% could not withstand urgency for five minutes and 17% had red skin or wounds in the genital region. Women and those dependent were most affected. Totally 40.8% had sought help and 30.1% used protective aids. Leakage, discomfort, consistency and contractibility symptoms were the categories of bowel symptoms related to FI. Discomfort predicted help seeking (OR 3.0), dependency (OR 1.5) and physical QoL (OR 1.7). Leakage predicted help seeking (OR 1.9) but not dependency and QoL. CONCLUSIONS Overall bowel function was disturbed among those with FI and unmet needs seem problematic especially for women and those needing help in Activities of Daily Living (ADL). Encouragement to seek and get medical help and to use protective aids may improve the very low quality of life in this group. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Older people with FI should be asked about, assessed for and examined for overall bowel function to get adequate treatment and be encouraged to use protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Stenzelius
- Department of Health Sciences, Lund University and Department of Urology, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
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Hosia-Randell H, Suominen M, Muurinen S, Pitkälä KH. Use of laxatives among older nursing home residents in Helsinki, Finland. Drugs Aging 2007; 24:147-54. [PMID: 17313202 DOI: 10.2165/00002512-200724020-00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Constipation and, as a consequence, the use of laxatives are common among frail older people. The causes of and factors associated with laxative use, however, have undergone surprisingly little study. The objectives of our study were to (i) assess the prevalence of regularly administered laxatives, (ii) identify factors associated with regular use of laxatives, and (iii) determine which drug classes or medications are associated with regular laxative use in an older nursing home population in Helsinki. METHODS This study was a cross-sectional assessment of all long-term nursing home residents aged >/=65 years in Helsinki, Finland. In February 2003, the health status of these residents was assessed and data on their demographic characteristics, health and medication use were collected from medical charts. RESULTS Of all nursing home residents in Helsinki, 82% (n = 1987, mean age 83.7 years) participated in the study. Of all residents, 55.3% received laxatives regularly. Factors associated with regular laxative use in univariate analysis included age >80 years, stroke, Parkinson's disease, inability to move independently, poor Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) score (<17), fluid intake less than five glasses per day, and chewing problems. Drugs associated with laxative use included opioids, antacids, diuretics, tricyclic antidepressants, lipid-lowering drugs other than HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins), histamine H(2) receptor antagonists, nonselective NSAIDs, anticholinergic drugs for urine incontinence, and calcium channel antagonists other than verapamil and nifedipine. In logistic regression analysis, age >80 years (odds ratio [OR] 1.29; 95% CI 1.03, 1.60), inability to move independently (OR 1.80; 95% CI 1.42, 2.28), poor MNA score (<17) [OR 1.51; 95% CI 1.19, 1.93], chewing problems (OR 1.27; CI 95% 1.00, 1.61), Parkinson's disease (OR 1.63; 95% CI 1.01, 2.64), and concomitant use of a high number (>7) of drugs other than laxatives and constipation-inducing drugs found in univariate analysis (OR 1.06; 95% CI 1.03, 1.09) were associated with use of laxatives. Having snacks between meals (OR 0.74; 95% CI 0.60, 0.90) was associated with lower risk of laxative use. CONCLUSIONS Regular laxative use in older nursing home residents in Helsinki is very common. Offering snacks between meals and regular evaluation of medication use may influence laxative use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helka Hosia-Randell
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Abstract
Constipation affects the quality of life of many 'at risk' groups of people. Laxatives are the dominant management strategy whose long-term use is ineffective and very costly to the NHS prescription bill and in the use of health staff resources. The development of a user-friendly, evidence-based clinical guideline (The effective management of constipation in primary care) has the potential to change the present situation by providing healthcare practitioners with an aide-mémoire to assist clinical reasoning, in order to re-evaluate current practice and suggest combined alternative treatment strategies. Early indications of use of the guideline suggest holistic individualised bowel management programmes can significantly reduce laxative use and nursing interventions and lead to improved quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian Emly
- Physiotherapy Services for People with Learning Disability, East Leeds Primary Care Trust.
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Abstract
Constipation, often related to diet, physical immobility, concurrent illness or multiple medication use, is common in older people. Despite potential for serious complications, constipation may often be overlooked. Management of constipation is a critical part of the care of older patients with chronic conditions. Risk assessment and appropriate nursing interventions and/or medication should mean that constipation can be minimized, preventing additional medication burden and reducing the risk of non-adherence. The relationship between quality of life and constipation has been assessed in numerous studies, showing that patients with constipation generally have an impaired quality of life compared with the general population, although studies in older patients are limited. In long-term survivors of colorectal or anal carcinoma, constipation is one of the factors that has the most negative impact on quality of life. Strategies for prevention and minimization of constipation have the potential to substantially improve quality of life for older people.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND As knowledge of the prevalence and impact of fecal incontinence increases, additional research is needed to improve patient outcomes and support the practice of nurses in this area. OBJECTIVES To outline needs for future nursing research on fecal incontinence in aging adults. METHODS Existing literature about fecal incontinence was analyzed to generate a plan for future research. RESULTS Recommendations for investigation were proposed in the following areas: mechanisms underlying fecal incontinence and common to fecal incontinence and urinary incontinence; assessment of fecal incontinence; management strategies; and tracking a patient's response to fecal incontinence therapies across the healthcare system. Other areas of study identified as priorities included lessening the psychological burden of fecal incontinence, preventing perineal skin problems with appropriate skin care protocols and products, and developing efficacious nursing home routines and environments. CONCLUSIONS Increasing the capacity of nursing research focused on fecal incontinence through funding support and recruitment incentives for new investigators is essential to achieve the proposed agenda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna Z Bliss
- Center for Gerontological Nursing, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
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Campbell T, Draper S, Reid J, Robinson L. The management of constipation in people with advanced cancer. Int J Palliat Nurs 2001; 7:110-9. [PMID: 12192327 DOI: 10.12968/ijpn.2001.7.3.8909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Constipation represents a significant problem for people with advanced cancer. It ranks in the top three most uncomfortable symptoms experienced, causing pain and anorexia that ultimately result in misery. The negative impact upon the quality of life of the patient and their carers is significant. The key to the provision of effective care lies in the informed application of the nursing process, underpinned by a sound knowledge base in relation to the management of constipation. Theoretical knowledge enables appropriate preventative interventions to be planned in collaboration with other members of the multidisciplinary team. When preventative measures are not applied or are unsuccessful, informed assessment and care planning enables appropriate interventions to be applied in order to resolve constipation. This article will discuss the causes and management of constipation. The discussion focuses on assessment, setting goals with the patient and their carers, planning appropriate nursing interventions to support medical interventions and evaluating clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Campbell
- Institute of Health and Community Studies, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, UK
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