An Educational tool targeting the symptoms of constipation among people prescribed Clozapine. - Trial ANZCTR12623001053617

Timeline & Enrollment

Primary Outcome

Using the Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms (PAC SYM) tool which measures constipation across a spectrum. The primary outcome is to measure possible changes in constipation prevalence across both groups.

Summary

consumers prescribed Clozapine suffer from constipation; essentially double that of the general population. Clozapine consumers are 3 times more likely to develop constipation, compared to their contemporaries prescribed other antipsychotics. Ongoing questioning and screening by mental health professionals is strongly recommended, in order to detect and treat constipation in a timely manner. In my experience as a mental health case manager, and more recently as a Clozapine coordinator, the screening, detection, and management of clozapine induced constipation is severely lacking. Non-pharmacological interventions are considered the first and most important step in managing constipation. One hour of exercise, five days a week; increased fibre and fluid intake. These can be achieved with minimal support clinically, and financially. Clozapine clinics have been seen as a place to develop health agency and providing education during clinics, with a view to have the consumers engage in their own treatment interventions for constipation would be the goal. I would aim to incorporate the peer workforce and current consumers prescribed clozapine in the development of the education aspect. This RCT will consist of a control and intervention group. The control group will receive current health practices, which include 3 monthly screening and assessment for constipation by a registered nurse and /or physician. The intervention group will receive an hour of education, targeted at improving their knowledge and understanding of constipation, and given them lifestyle interventions to manage it. All participants will complete a 2 weekly constipation self-report measure called the PAC - SYM to collect data.

ICD-10 Classifications