Implementation of a Constipation Action Plan for Patients Discharged From a Pediatric Hospitalist Service.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a pharmacist-led constipation action plan on the rate of health care utilization.

Methods: We conducted a prospective research study of patients 2 to 18 years of age admitted to a pediatric hospitalist service for constipation. A study pharmacist developed a patient-specific constipation action plan for each enrolled patient. Data were collected from the electronic medical record, patient/caregiver interview, and follow-up phone calls completed by a pharmacist. The primary outcome was to determine the effect of a pharmacist-led constipation action plan on the rate of health care utilization.

Results: Twenty-seven patients were enrolled in the study. Median (range) age was 9 (2-18) years. Health care utilization of the entire study population decreased from approximately 8.7 encounters per month prior to implementation to approximately 3 encounters per month after implementation. Patients also reported an increase in daily bowel movements from approximately 1 per day prior to implementation to 2 per day post implementation.

Conclusions: Health care utilization appeared to decrease after implementation of a patient-specific, pharmacist-led constipation action plan.