Constipation is a common health condition that, if not recognised and treated, can have major adverse effects on people’s health and well-being. People with learning disabilities have been shown to have a shorter life expectancy than the general population. Leading causes of premature death in this population group are respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease and gastrointestinal disorders including constipation. Yet, with timely assessments and appropriate interventions, constipation can be prevented or treated.

• Consequences of constipation include increased laxative use, frequent hospital admissions and readmissions, suboptimal health outcomes and premature death.

• The signs and symptoms of constipation can be challenging to ascertain in people with learning disabilities due notably to communication difficulties and diagnostic overshadowing.

• Accurately diagnosing constipation in a person with a learning disability who shows behaviour of concern involves comprehensive and thorough assessments of their physical and mental health, behaviour, medicines and environment.

Reflective activity

‘How to’ articles can help you to update your practice and ensure it remains evidence based. Apply this article to your practice. Reflect on and write a short account of:

• How this article might improve your practice when supporting the accurate diagnosis of constipation in a person with a learning disability who shows behaviour of concern.

• How you could use this information to educate nursing students or colleagues to support the accurate diagnosis of constipation in a person with a learning disability who shows behaviour of concern.