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AIMS: To assess parent satisfaction with a nurse led clinic for children with intractable, functional constipation compared with a paediatric gastroenterology outpatient clinic. METHODS: A validated questionnaire covering six separate domains in 48 statements (provision of information, empathy with the patient, technical quality and competence, attitude towards the patient, access to and continuity with the caregiver, and overall satisfaction) was employed. For all outcomes, the data were analysed on an intention-to-treat basis. RESULTS: 90/107 (84%) questionnaires were returned: 40/51 (78%) from the paediatric gastroenterology clinic and 50/56 (89%) from the nurse led clinic. Results indicated a high "total" satisfaction with the clinical care, but these were statistically significantly higher in the nurse led clinic compared with the paediatric gastroenterology clinic (median score 8.7 and 7.3 respectively, out of a maximum score of 10). This difference was consistent across all domains when the scores from those attending the nurse led clinic were compared with those attending the paediatric gastroenterology clinic (information median score 8.7 v 7.5; empathy 9.0 v 7.3; competence 9.1 v 8.0; attitude 8.7 v 7.3; access 8.2 v 6.7). All comparisons were highly statistically significant. CONCLUSION: These results provide firm evidence that parents of children with intractable constipation are satisfied with the care they receive in both the paediatric and nursing clinic setting. Parent satisfaction, however, was significantly higher in those attending the nurse led clinic. This study adds further support to the development of a nurse led service to manage intractable, functional constipation in children.

Original publication

DOI

10.1136/adc.2005.087486

Type

Journal article

Journal

Arch Dis Child

Publication Date

06/2006

Volume

91

Pages

499 - 501

Keywords

Adolescent, Child, Child, Preschool, Constipation, England, Female, Gastroenterology, Humans, Infant, Male, Outpatient Clinics, Hospital, Parents, Patient Satisfaction, Pediatrics, Statistics, Nonparametric