Evidence Based Practice Clinical Guideline Review
PEP Topic: Constipation
Author(s): Deborah M. Thorpe, PhD APRN ACHPN; Katherine L. Byar, MSN APN BC BMTCN®; Susanne Conley, MSN RN CPON® AOCNS; Jeanne Held-Warmkessel, MSN RN AOCN ACNS-BC; Margaret J. Ramsdell, MN RN OCN®.
DATE OF PUBLICATION: FEBRUARY 2017| DATE OF REVIEW: FALL 2018
Method of Review: The Evidence Based Practice Guideline Review Subcommittee conducted a review of the updated guideline using the Rapid Appraisal Checklist for Guidelines by Melnyk.1 Because this guideline was developed using a strict protocol by the Oncology Nursing Society, the subcommittee determined that an additional review using the AGREE criteria was not necessary.
Review Summary: The guideline is based on the original adult-oriented guidelines; however, pediatric studies are based exclusively on studies with subjects that were 18 years of age or younger. The support for cancer-related and treatment-related constipation includes drug-based management. The guideline includes several medications considered safe for the pediatric population, with dosing adjustments and or modifications in the use of medications for the use in pediatric cancer patients.
Recommendation for use: Recommended for use in pediatric oncology.
1Melnyk, B.M. & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2011). Appendix D: Rapid Critical Appraisal Checklist for Evidence Based Clinical Practice Guidelines. In Evidence-Based practice in nursing & healthcare. (2nded.). (p. 518). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.