Changing bowel hygiene practice successfully: a program to reduce laxative use in a chronic care hospital.
Laxative use was significantly reduced in our long-term care facility when an interdisciplinary program based on a philosophy of prevention and health promotion was implemented. Specifically, increased fluid and fiber intake, timely toileting habits, and regular activity/exercise led to a halving of the number of patients receiving laxatives as required, relative to pre-program levels and relative to a control unit not receiving the program.
Benton
J M
JM
Sisters of Charity of Ottawa (SCO) Hospital, Ontario, Canada.
O'Hara
P A
PA
Chen
H
H
Harper
D W
DW
Johnston
S F
SF
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002400:Cathartics / Q000009:adverse effects; D003248:Constipation / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D015444:Exercise; D006801:Humans; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D012866:Skilled Nursing Facilities; D014039:Toilet Training
D002400:Cathartics; D004043:Dietary Fiber