Open Access Article
Evidence-Based Practice

Putting Evidence Into Practice®: Evidence-Based Interventions for the Prevention and Management of Constipation in Patients With Cancer

Myra Woolery

Annette Bisanz

Hannah F. Lyons

Lindsay Gaido

Mary Yenulevich

Stephanie Fulton

Susan C. McMillan

interventions, symptom management
CJON 2008, 12(2), 317-337. DOI: 10.1188/08.CJON.317-337

Constipation is a major source of distress for patients with cancer, significantly affecting quality of life. It can be secondary to disease sequelae, side effects of treatment, or preexisting conditions. It often is unrecognized, underassessed, and ineffectively managed. Nurses play a key role in the prevention and management of constipation and need evidence-based interventions. This article summarizes the existing research evidence for constipation interventions and identifies gaps. Many of the strategies have been evaluated in nononcology populations; researchers should evaluate their effectiveness in oncology populations.

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    References

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