Laila Sara Mantegazzi1, Brigitte Seliner2, Lorenz Imhof3. 1. APN in Continence Care, University Children's Hospital Zurich. 2. APN in Continence and Rehabilitation Care, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. 3. Professor and Head of Research and Development, Institute of Nursing, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, and Institute of Nursing, School of Health Professions, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Winterthur, Switzerland.
Abstract
PURPOSE: This study evaluated the effectiveness of constipation prophylaxis administered with the support of an advanced practice nurse. DESIGN: A quasi-experimental study with a historical control group of 112 pediatric (age 1-18) orthopedic patients and an intervention group of 59 patients was conducted in a surgical ward in Switzerland. RESULTS: The implementation of a standardized constipation prophylaxis led to an absolute risk reduction (27%) of constipation. Fisher's exact test showed a significant difference in the prevalence of constipation in the two samples, p = .001. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Constipation prophylaxis is a necessity in pediatric orthopedics.
PURPOSE: This study evaluated the effectiveness of constipation prophylaxis administered with the support of an advanced practice nurse. DESIGN: A quasi-experimental study with a historical control group of 112 pediatric (age 1-18) orthopedic patients and an intervention group of 59 patients was conducted in a surgical ward in Switzerland. RESULTS: The implementation of a standardized constipation prophylaxis led to an absolute risk reduction (27%) of constipation. Fisher's exact test showed a significant difference in the prevalence of constipation in the two samples, p = .001. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Constipation prophylaxis is a necessity in pediatric orthopedics.