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Effect of Implementing Murdoch Bowel Protocol on the occurrence of Constipation among Critically Ill Patients

Background: Constipation is a common complication identified among critically ill 
patients. It leads to a host of problems for patients admitted to critical care; it contributes to 
failure to feed, delayed weaning from mechanical ventilation and longer hospital stay. The 
aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of implementing Murdoch bowel protocol on the 
occurrence of constipation among critically ill patients. Design: A Quasi experimental 
design was utilized for this study. Subject: A purposive sample of 68 adult patients aged 20 
years or more from both genders. Setting: The study was conducted at the Intensive care 
units at El-Fayoum University Hospitals. Tools: Three tools were used in the study (I) 
Patient's Demographic and Health Relevant Information which included (a), demographic 
characteristics, (b) health relevant information, (II) Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS), tool 
(III) Constipation Assessment Scale (CAS). Results: this study revealed that, near three 
quarter of the control group had constipation, versus one fifth in the study group. Moreover, 
above two fifth of the study group showed ideal stool versus less than one fifth of the control 
group. Conclusion: applying Murdoch bowel protocol showed significant improvement in 
reduction of the incidence of constipation among critically ill patients. Recommendation: 
Implementing Murdoch Bowel Protocol for critically ill patients and apply the Protocol steps 
on a regular basis. An assessment tool such as Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) for 
assessment of patient's bowel condition should be incorporated as a part of routine care for 
critically ill patients.