title: Impact of a nurse-led clinic for chronic constipation in children.
abstract: The impact of a nurse-led constipation clinic was assessed by evaluating the first 50 patients, aged 1.5 to 10 years, using a questionnaire before initial clinic visit and at the third clinic visit, three to four months later. Patients had been constipated for at least six months. The nurses explained the physiology of constipation, the rationale for laxative treatment and the need to comply with treatment. Good toileting behaviour was encouraged. This resulted in an increase in defaecation frequency and stool softness, whereas soiling and pain on defaecation decreased. There was no significant change in the amount of laxatives taken, although it was suspected that compliance improved. Parental understanding of constipation and its management increased. Overall, the control of constipation in children improved markedly through attendance at a nurse-led clinic.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics, Countess of Chester Foundation Trust NHS Hospital, UK.
authors.forename: Nevine
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ismail
authors.forename: Irene
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Ratchford
authors.forename: Celia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Proudfoot
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gibbs
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003248:Constipation / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000451:nursing*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D054368:Laxatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D015401:Nursing Administration Research; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D057184:Practice Patterns, Nurses'; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D054368:Laxatives