CHANGING BOWEL HYGIENE PRACTICE SUCCESSFULLY - A PROGRAM TO REDUCE LAXATIVE USE IN A CHRONIC CARE HOSPITAL

Laxative use was significantly reduced in our long-term care facility when an interdisciplinary program based on a philosophy of prevention and health promotion was implemented. Specifically, increased fluid an d fiber intake, timely toileting habits, and regular activity/exercise led to a halving of the number of patients receiving laxatives as req uired, relative to pre-program levels and relative to a control unit n ot receiving the program.