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Nursing Support for Constipation in Palliative Care Units in Japan: A Multisite Cross-Sectional Study
Kimiko Nakano1, Yusuke Kanno2, Kohei Kajiwara3
1Nursing Department, Mie University Hospital, Tsu, Japan.
Palliative Medicine Reports
|February 26, 2025
Summary
Nursing support for cancer patient constipation is rarely provided. This study surveyed Japanese nurses, finding warm compresses most common, while acupressure and specialized massages were least frequent. Further research is needed to understand barriers to care.
Area of Science:
- Oncology Nursing
- Palliative Care
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Constipation is a common and distressing symptom for patients with cancer.
- Effective nursing interventions are crucial for managing cancer-related constipation.
- Understanding current practices is essential for improving patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the frequency of specific nursing support interventions for constipation in cancer patients nearing end of life.
- To identify which of six distinct nursing support methods are most and least utilized.
Main Methods:
- An anonymous online cross-sectional survey was distributed to registered nurses in Japanese palliative care units.
- Nurses reported the frequency of providing six interventions: abdominal massage with essential oils, abdominal acupressure, auricular acupressure, self-management education, abdominal massage, and warm compresses.
- Data were collected from 539 nurses across 162 facilities.
Main Results:
- Warm compression was the most frequently provided support.
- Auricular acupressure, abdominal massage with essential oils, and abdominal acupressure were the least frequently provided interventions.
- Self-management education was more frequently provided during the prognostic weeks compared to months.
Conclusions:
- The surveyed nursing support interventions for cancer-related constipation are infrequently implemented.
- Barriers to the provision of these constipation management strategies require further investigation.
- Future research should focus on identifying and addressing factors limiting the use of these nursing supports.
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