Constipation management has been identified as a key issue for the Gastroenterology ODN. The current pathways and models employed by many of the network members is not patient-centred, inefficient and thus less effective.
We have set up a small task and finish group to deliver specific objectives towards improving the quality of care we give to patients and families with constipation. So far we have identified that:
– Constipation encompasses a significant workload in secondary care, both in general paediatric and specialist gastroenterology clinics. As high as 50%.
– Most of the constipation seen is uncomplicated which does not necessarily require secondary care expertise.
– There is a significant burden on acute services with a significant number of emergency attendances and non-elective inpatient spells.
– Parent/patient education and regular review is paramount, yet there is not enough time to do this effectively in the current model of care.
– There are examples of better models of care within the network, and there is evidence to support this through outcomes measures and patient satisfaction.