Constipation in the hospitalized older patient: Part 2

Constipation, one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders affecting older patients, impacts quality of life, social functioning, and cognitive and physical performance, all of which are predictors of healthcare use and healthcare costs. Efforts should therefore be made to prevent constipation and effectively manage this problem in older patients. This calls for careful monitoring and screening of those at risk, and instituting measures to ensure that a proper bowel regimen is in place for all elderly patients. This is the second part of a two-part article that reviews issues related to constipation in the hospitalized older patient. Part 1 of this article, which was published in the September 2012 issue of Clinical Geriatrics^®, reviewed the pathophysiology and etiology of constipation in hospitalized elders. In Part 2, the authors review the clinical features, prevention, and management of constipation in these individuals. Part 1 is available at www. clinicalgeriatrics.com/articles/Constipation-Hospitalized-Older-Patient-Part-1.