Larkin, P.J., Sykes, N.P., Centeno, C., Ellershaw, J.E., Elsner, F., Eugene, B., . . . European Consensus Group on Constipation in Palliative Care. (2008). The management of constipation in palliative care: Clinical practice recommendations. Palliative Medicine, 22, 796–807.
To raise awareness of constipation in palliative care; to provide guidance on the assessment, diagnosis, and management of constipation; and to encourage research in this area.
Databases searched were PubMed and the Cochrane Library (2001-2006).
Search keywords were constipation, laxatives, palliative care, terminal care, terminally ill, hospice, guidelines, recommendations, and systematic reviews.
Four publications were found for consideration. They were graded according to the UK National Service Framework for Long Term Conditions and the Oxford Quality Scale. A pan-European work group of healthcare professionals with experience in management of constipation in palliative care was assembled to debate and reach consensus on best practice.
Key approaches to the prevention of constipation include
Principles of treatment include
This guideline provides a practical algorithm for constipation management based on consensus, rather than actual evidence. Specific choices of oral laxatives are not recommended; however, substantial evidence-based information for comparison of available oral laxatives agents is given.