title: A strategy to reduce laxative use among older people.
abstract: Institutions can be places of routine and unquestioned practice in the administration of medications. In one mixed ward of psychogeriatric patients constipation was a common problem for which laxatives were routinely given. In this particular ward, many of the patients were receiving up to five different laxatives a day either orally or rectally. Dementia and being bed or chair-bound greatly increased the risk of chronic constipation. Excessive laxative use is another cause of chronic constipation. A review of practice and a decision implement a new approach was prompted by the arrival of new ward managers. The use of laxatives was stopped almost entirely and a new dietary regime was started. This article outlines how the changes were implemented.
authors.affiliation: Royal Cornhill Hospital, Aberdeen.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Stewart
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Innes
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mackenzie
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Downie
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002400:Cathartics / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003248:Constipation / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005851:Geriatric Nursing; D006801:Humans; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D010353:Patient Education as Topic
chemical_list: D002400:Cathartics