title: Exploring the causes, assessment and management of constipation in palliative care.
abstract: Constipation is one of the most common problems in patients receiving palliative care, often having a profound effect on their quality of life. Its management has a significant impact on healthcare provision in terms of cost and nursing time. Nurses are well placed to assess and manage constipation and this article seeks to aid in the decision-making process. The causes, assessment and management of constipation, from prophylaxis to new pharmacological developments, will be explored in a pragmatic approach.
authors.affiliation: Palliative Medicine, St Michael's Hospice, Harrogate, England, UK. lbrown@saintmichaelshospice.org
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Henderson
authors.forename: Aislinn
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: McDonagh
mesh_terms: D003248:Constipation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D010166:Palliative Care