Journal of Korean Clinical Nursing Research (임상간호연구)
- Volume 18 Issue 2
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- Pages.205-214
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- 2012
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- 1598-9186(pISSN)
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- 2287-3694(eISSN)
DOI QR Code
Development and Application of the Constipation Assessment Tool for Patients with Terminal Cancers
말기 암환자의 변비 사정도구 개발 및 적용
- Kim, Myung Ok (Hospice and Palliative Care Center, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital) ;
- Park, Myung Hee (Department of Nursing, The Catholic University of Korea) ;
- Rye, Min Ae (Hospice and Palliative Care Center, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital)
- Received : 2012.05.31
- Accepted : 2012.06.26
- Published : 2012.08.31
Abstract
Purpose: The purposes of this study were to develop the constipation assessment tool for identifying their bowel movement patterns, and to provide basic information for the assessment and intervention protocol on constipation for patients with terminal cancers. Methods: The study followed the steps: the first step was to build a conceptual framework based on literature review; the second step was to develop a tentative instrument by analyzing the conceptual framework and existing instruments; the third step was to test content validity and reliability; and the final step was to apply the tool to patients with terminal cancers (N=112). Results: The constipation assessment tool was consisted of total nine items; under the categories of subjective and objective data for diagnosis had 4 items, and under the initial assessment category which includes stool type, physical examination, and abdomen X-ray had 5 items. Conclusion: The constipation assessment tool developed in this study is very easy to use and useful in nursing practice, especially in hospice and palliative care setting. Particularly this tool has items on patient assessment which would be considered as an evidence for choosing nursing interventions. Based on the constipation assessment tool, the development and application of intervention protocol on constipation for patients with terminal cancers is warranted in future research.