Constipation in palliative care survey

Defining constipation in palliative care to estimate its prevalence: a national survey of palliative care patients and providers

Older lady sitting on bed with hands over abdomen

Palliative care patients perceived as constipated are more likely to present to hospital as they experience multiple symptoms and have a poorer quality of life compared with other palliative care patients. 

Although an extremely common problem in palliative care, there is no clear definition or assessment tool for constipation. This causes disparities between patients and health professionals as they often have different perceptions of what constipation is. It also interferes with effective control of symptoms and the accurate recording of constipation as an issue. 

Using an online survey, this study aims to define the term and determine its prevalence by investigating the experiences and opinions of Australian palliative care patients at six investigational sites across New South Wales and Victoria, as well as health care professionals that are members of peak professional organisations in the field. 

Our goal is to document the perceptions of these two groups and develop suitable criteria for the diagnosis, assessment, and management of constipation. The study’s exploratory nature acts as a starting point for future research to dive into deeper aspects of constipation and sub-groups of the palliative care population. 

The principal investigator is Professor Katherine Clark. This study is being conducted by a team of investigators at the University of Technology Sydney. 

If you have any questions about this research, please email the study Research Assistant, Yinyin Phyo at itcc@uts.edu.au.

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.