Abstract Detail

Abstract

In the fast-paced environment within the hospital setting, care issues can present which lead to negative patient outcomes, extended length of stay and unnecessary healthcare costs. While it may be common knowledge that promotion of bowel health and constipation prevention is an important part of a holistic and comprehensive care plan, impaired gut motility is a common issue within acute care settings. Current literature indicates that there is a high prevalence of constipation and related issues, such as patient discomfort, extended length of stay and increased workload for nursing staff. This presentation provides a timely overview of the implications of the undermanagement of bowel health in the acute care setting. The audience will gain a renewed understanding of the vital role that bowel health has in promoting optimal outcomes as well as reduced hospital length of stay. Strategies will also be shared to help to optimize the nurse’s role as a healthcare provider and patient advocate. The presentation also outlines best practices and protocols for optimizing bowel health, for the in-patient population in acute care.

Biography

Heather Ead is a Clinical Nurse Specialist with Neurosurgical and Orthopaedic services at Trillium Health Partners (Ontario, Canada). She has over 35 years of experience in acute care services and has led many improvement initiatives. This includes proactive pain management medical directives, enhancing ongoing education to patients and staff, and the go-live of a new electronic health record application. Most recently, she has created a working group with pharmacists, physicians and nurses to facilitate bowel health management within acute and rehab care areas of the hospital. Developing and implementing the new bowel protocol has led to positive outcomes for patients such as reduced incidence of urinary retention, constipation, as well as improved pain and satisfaction scores. Today, Heather will share current recommendations for supporting bowel health in the hospital setting.