Project:
LIFELAX - Diet and lifestyle in the management of constipation in older people (ISRCTN7388134)
Project Leader(s): Elaine McColl
Sponsors: NHS HTA
Constipation is a common chronic condition, with considerable costs to the NHS in terms of GP consultations and prescribed laxatives. A systematic literature review has found weak evidence that laxatives can improve stool frequency and consistency and can alleviate related symptoms in older people. Dietary and lifestyle interventions have also been shown to alleviate constipation. More generally, in studies aimed at the modification of individual health-related behaviour, brief interventions have been shown to have limited effect while intensive, patient-tailored interventions have been more effective though costly. The proposed study will compare the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of brief and intensive lifestyle interventions with medical management in treating chronic constipation in older people.
Aims
Main aims
- To investigate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of laxatives versus dietary and lifestyle advice.
- To investigate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of brief, standardised versus personalised dietary and lifestyle advice.
Secondary aims
- To describe the adherence by patients to treatment protocols and to estimate its impact on cost-effectiveness.
- To describe the adherence by health care professionals to intervention protocols.
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Professor Elaine McColl
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Chris Speed
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