A quality improvement program for managing clozapine-induced constipation in a long-term structured residential setting for persons with serious mental illness.

Objectives: The goal of this quality improvement project (QIP) was to increase awareness of the serious medical consequences of clozapine-associated constipation to front line nursing staff and patients with schizophrenia.

Methods: The QIP was developed iteratively by psychiatric nurses, psychiatrists and pharmacists with input from patients. The processes involved a literature review, development of educational materials for staff and patients, and the creation of a daily bowel movements log (BML).