Educational intervention for the management of constipation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
DEVELOPING AND EVALUATING AN EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTION FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF CONSTIPATION: A FEASIBILITY INTERVENTION STUDY Phase 1: Examining current practice in constipation management in palliative care settings
IRAS ID
211275
Contact name
Sonja McIlfatrick
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Ulster University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 2 days
Research summary
Constipation is one of the most frequently encountered symptoms in the palliative care population and has the potential to significantly impair quality of life. It is also the third most frequently encountered symptom after pain and anorexia in those receiving palliative care. Common factors which increase the risk of constipation in this population include physical illness, hospitalisation, reduced fluid intake and the use of some painkillers. Constipation can occur at any stage in the course of the disease, but it appears to be more problematic in advanced disease. When it occurs, constipation causes considerable suffering for the affected individual, either as a direct consequence of the physical symptoms or due to related social and psychological complications. Despite this, constipation remains poorly recognised and undertreated by healthcare providers. The proposed research therefore aims to develop and test the feasibility and acceptability of a novel educational intervention for healthcare professionals to help them manage constipation experienced by people in the hospice setting. The overall study comprises 4 stages, however, the current study Stage 1 has 4 phases- and aims to identify current practice and to explore the views of patients, carers and healthcare professionals by:-
1) Undertaking a systematic review of the literature in relation to the practice and educational interventions for health care professionals in the management of constipation.
2) To review past patients clinical records to capture patient and family demographics, health characteristics and healthcare resource utilisation.
3) To explore health care professionals views and experiences in order to develop an educational intervention that will help them care for patients with constipation in hospice settings.
4) To explore patients and carers perception about constipation meaning, impact, treatment and identify components for an educational intervention for healthcare professionals.REC name
West Midlands - Black Country Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/WM/0352
Date of REC Opinion
28 Sep 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion