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50m

Constipation in Palliative Care

Constipation can cause significant pain and discomfort to the individual experiencing it and is one of the most common concerns for patients who are receiving palliative care. This Course focuses on the assessment and management of constipation in palliative care so as to reduce discomfort and improve quality of life.

15 Nov 2016

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Learning Outcomes

Explain

Explain the significance of constipation in palliative care

Describe

Describe how the bowel function of a person receiving palliative care may be assessed

Identify

Identify management strategies for constipation in the person with advanced disease

Educator

John Rosenberg

John Rosenberg is a Registered Nurse with a clinical background in community-based palliative care. He has worked as an educator and researcher in care of people at the end of life. John was responsible for the development of the postgraduate Chronic Disease Management and Palliative Care suite of courses at the University of Queensland School of Nursing and Midwifery. He is a co-author of the Framework of Competency Standards for Specialist Palliative Care Nursing Practice. John is the immediate past President of Palliative Care Nurses Australia Inc., the peak body for nurses in Australia caring for people at the end of life. He was the inaugural Director of the Calvary Centre for Palliative Care Research in Canberra with the Australian Catholic University. John currently works as a Research Fellow in the Centre for Research Excellence in End of Life Care at Queensland University of Technology.

Comments

AMANDEEP KAUR DHILLON

good -- 18 Apr 2018

Carmel Spano

Very practical simple steps to follow when assessing and evaluating individual patient needs -- 10 Apr 2018

Joanne Gabbert

Informative and well researched area of interest. -- 19 Mar 2018

Ingrid Slattery

I would recommend this education to other health professionals -- 14 Mar 2018

Limor Weingarten

This has reinforced which laxative to use & when -- 23 Feb 2018

Michelle Madden

Concise and articulate presenter. -- 22 Feb 2018

Eva Bodnar

Excellent and very important topic in palliative care setting. I would suggest to spend more time to investigate individuals bowel habit and how can be changed -- 16 Feb 2018

Steven Walker

informative -- 25 Jan 2018

Haylee Quinn

Thank you John, A great refresher on constipation management -- 24 Jan 2018

Diana Griffiths

I would recommend this resource for all nurses, particularly those in palliative care. -- 20 Jan 2018

Leeanne Nuske

very interesting and informative -- 09 Jan 2018

Course Overview

Topics include:

Causes and symptoms of constipation
Assessment of bowel function
Nursing management of constipation

Target audience

All healthcare professionals, particularly nurses working in palliative care, aged care, and acute and community care settings.

Purpose

Assist health professionals in the application of best available evidence and expert opinion for the assessment and management of constipation in palliative care.

Need

Constipation is a clinically significant cause of distress for people receiving palliative care and family members who care for them. With the majority of palliative care provided to those over the age of 65, constipation is sure to increase in prevalence. Whether caused by analgesics, impaired mobility, lowered fluid and food input, or disease progression, constipation requires a comprehensive assessment by nurses. With sound assessment, the nurse can identify a constellation of strategies to address the management of constipation in those receiving palliative care. However, there is a need for nursing and medical staff to be more aware of the incidence, causes and effects of constipation, as it is often poorly understood. The need for education in the causes of, approaches to assessment of, and intervention strategies for constipation, is required.

Health professionals in Australia that are registered with AHPRA are required to obtain continuing professional development (CPD) hours/points each year that relates to their context of practice, in order to comply with mandatory regulatory requirements.

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