Implementation and Evaluation of Constipation Educational Intervention
Research type
Research Study
Full title
DEVELOPING AND TESTING AN EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTION FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF CONSTIPATION FOR PEOPLE WITH ADVANCED CANCER: A FEASIBILITY INTERVENTION STUDY (DEMCON). Implementation and Evaluation with healthcare professionals and patients
IRAS ID
240927
Contact name
Sonja McIlfatrick
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Ulster University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 1 months, 31 days
Research summary
Constipation is a frequent and distressing symptom experienced by patients using hospice services, however, its assessment and management varies across practices. Guidelines have been developed which reflect current best practice in constipation assessment and management, however, they have yet to be implemented in practice. This research aims to provide a 6 week blended educational programme, based on the guidelines and primary data from key stakeholders, to staff working in three hospices across the UK, to see if it changes knowledge and ultimately practices of constipation assessment and management. We are inviting nurses, medics, and pharmacists as the primary target audience to undertake an educational programme, which has built in assessment measures of knowledge and self-efficacy. There are four time points of data collection to see if there has been a change in knowledge across the duration of the intervention, as well as focus groups and a questionnaire to rate the overall quality and acceptability of the intervention. To test for feasibility, we are also recruiting patients who have experienced constipation in the hospice to complete standardised tools with the researcher. A group of patients will be recruited prior to the intervention, and another group post intervention. We aim to start patient recruitment in March/April, complete the intervention with staff in October, and recruit patients within the six months post intervention.
REC name
HSC REC A
REC reference
18/NI/0074
Date of REC Opinion
1 May 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion