This research took place across three regions in the UK and consisted of 6 focus groups with 27 healthcare professionals working in specialist palliative care units. Thirteen patients and five families participated.
The study found constipation impacted physically, psychologically and socially on patients and families who felt healthcare staff relegated it on the list of importance. Comparatively healthcare staff saw constipation solely as a physical symptom. Healthcare staff reported embarrassment as a barrier to communicating about bowel care, whereas patients wanted staff to initiate communication and discuss constipation openly. A number of recommendations are made from the study.
Hasson, F. et al. 2020 ‘Take more laxatives was their answer to everything’: A qualitative exploration of the patient, carer and healthcare professional experience of constipation in specialist palliative care. Palliative Medicine, 34 (8) p 1057 - 1066.