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Learning Objective 1: The learner will be able to abdominal massage therapy can relive constipation and elevate quality of life.
Learning Objective 2: The learner will be able to clinical situation utilization of abdominal massage (include stroking, effleurage, palmar kneading and vibration) for constipation relief.
Constipation is a common health problem in hospitalized patients. Medicine and enema are commonly used methods for constipation relief. Abdominal massage therapy is one of the non-pharmacological therapies. The purpose of this systemic review was to answer the question: Does abdominal massage therapy relive constipation and elevate quality of life? In this systemic review, assessment of abdominal massage for constipation was made through the process of complete literature search, critical appraisal, and evaluation.
Method
This study utilized the five-hierarchy evidence-based nursing steps of systematic literature investigation of studies concerning the application of abdominal massage for constipation relief conducted by Ciliska in 2001. Computerized literature search was carried out to retrieve all controlled clinical trials. Strategies of using keywords and MESH terms were applied in each database. We searched CENTRAL on Cochrane Library (2011), MEDLINE (1998-2011), CINAHL (1998-2011), and no language restrictions were applied. Two of our research teams independently assessed the study quality and extracted data. Myelnyk & Fineout-Overholt’s (2010) critical appraisal was made to access trials hierarchy level and recommended level.
Result
Eight trials met the inclusion criteria. Clinical situation utilization of abdominal massage (abdominal massage has to include stroking, effleurage, palmar kneading and vibration) for constipation relief so as to increase the desire to defecate and the frequency of passage of flatulence, to elevate bowel sound and to reduce abdominal distention.
Conclusion
Abdominal massage can effectively relieve constipation. Nursing care standards have to be developed and applied in nursing care to improve the quality of healthcare while reducing the needs for medication.
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