AUDIT CONSTIPATION
STATISTICS
Gender
◦ Males: 44%
◦ Females: 56%
Departments
◦ General medicine: 48%
◦ Obstetrics and Gynecology: 20%
◦ Gastroenterology: 17%
◦ General Surgery: 11%
◦ Orthopedics: 4%
• 76.3% of patients were mobile, while
the rest were bedridden.
• 89% of Patients assessed had acute
constipation.
• 51% of patients were constipated for 1-2
days
• 38% of patients were constipated for 2-7
days
• 87% of Patients were being treated with Osmotic Laxatives (e.g. Lactulose (Syrup
Duphalac/ Lilac), Glycerin suppositories, Kleen Enema.)
• 8% of patients were being treated with Bulk forming laxatives (e.g. Ispaghula).
• 4% of patients were being treated with Stimulant laxatives (e.g. Laxoberon and
Bisacodyl).
• 82% patient were not on any
treatment for constipation prior to
current hospital management.
• To check for fecal Impaction, digital rectal
examination (DRE) was not carried in 16.4%
of those patients who met the criteiria for
DRE.
• A staggering 71% of patients were
prescribed laxatives without proper
constipation assessment.
• For the patients who were prescribed
opiates:
• 70.6% of patients were on Osmotic
laxatives only.
• 12.9% of patients were on Stimulant
laxatives only.
• 9.4% of patients were on Osmotic and
Stimulant laxatives both.
• 97% of patients were prescribed laxatives.
• 42% of patients were given lifestyle management advices.
• 28% of patients were referred to a specialist for complaints of constipation.
• A significant 71% of patients were not
given any advice regarding the
laxatives weaning off.