A nurse-led educational intervention for relieving idiopathic constipation: a retrospective study.

Background: Constipation is a common condition. Although numerous articles emphasise the importance of conservative interventions, none have set out a complete educational programme.

Aims: To describe the results of an evidence-based, nurse-led educational intervention for functional constipation in adults.

Methods: A retrospective study of patient records with an analysis of Wexner constipation scores and Bristol stool charts was carried out before and after a nurse-led educational programme on nutrition and bowel habits.

Findings: Twenty-nine patients were enrolled (19 women and 10 men), with a median age of 61 (53-71) years, a mean BMI of 24.4±3.88 kg/m and comparable baseline Wexner and Bristol scores. A statistically significant improvement in Wexner scores (<0.001) and a clinically relevant but not statistically significant (=0.682) improvement in Bristol scores were observed.

Conclusion: The results suggest this investigation should be repeated on a larger scale. An educational intervention could be included in all consultations on any issue that could affect bowel activity.