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An audit of laxative use and fibre/fluid intakes in a care of the elderly rehabilitation ward
Author(s) -
Grant E.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
journal of human nutrition and dietetics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.951
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1365-277X
pISSN - 0952-3871
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-277x.1999.00182.x
Subject(s) - medicine , laxative , audit , constipation , pharmacist , rehabilitation , dietary fibre , fluid intake , pharmacy , physical therapy , nursing , surgery , food science , chemistry , management , economics
Summary Background : Constipation is a common problem in elderly patients, resulting in considerable discomfort and expenditure on prescribed laxatives. Aims and objectives : This study aimed to audit the use of laxatives on a ward for the rehabilitation of elderly people; to assess the fibre and fluid provided to patients on the basis of hospital menus and to assess the individual, daily intakes of fluid and fibre of three patients. Methods : Pharmacy records were used to audit laxative use on the ward over a 3‐month period. Provision of fluid and fibre were assessed by analysis of the regular and soft menus for 3 days, using food composition tables. A weighed intake assessment of three patients for one day was undertaken. Results : Ispaghula husk (Fybogel, Regulan) were the most commonly used laxatives. Although the regular menu appeared to provide adequate amounts of fluid and fibre, results for the soft menu were less satisfactory. All three patients had intakes well below the recommended level of dietary fibre. Conclusion : Despite the limitations of this small study, the findings suggest that improvements in catering and food service could be implemented to increase the intake of dietary fibre by patients in this ward. These should be implemented and the use of laxatives re‐audited.