An audit of laxative use and fibre/fluid intakes in a care of the elderly rehabilitation ward

Background: Constipation is a common problem in elderly patients, resulting in considerable discomfort and expenditure on prescribed laxatives. Aims and objectives: This study aimed to audit the use of laxatives on a wa rd for the rehabilitation of elderly people; to assess the fibre and fluid provided to patients on the basis of hospital menus and to assess the indiv idual, daily intakes of fluid and fibre of three patients. Methods: Pharmacy records were used to audit laxative use on the ward over a 3-month period. Provision of fluid and fibre were assessed by analysis of the regular and soft menus for 3 days, using food composition tables. A we ighed intake assessment of three patients for one day was undertaken. Results: Ispaghula husk (Fybogel, Regulan) were the mast commonly used laxa tives. Although the regular menu appeared to provide adequate amounts of fl uid and fibre, results for the soft menu were less satisfactory. All three patients had intakes well below the recommended level of dietary fibre. Conclusion: Despite the limitations of this small study, the findings sugge st that improvements in catering and food service could be implemented to i ncrease the intake of dietary fibre by patients in this ward. These should be implemented and the use of laxatives re-audited.