Diagnosis and Management of Constipation

Faculty

Needs Statement

Chronic constipation is a frequent gastrointestinal motility disorder estimated to affect up to 28% of the US population, with a significant clinical and economic burden. According to Lucinda Harris, MD, of Mayo Clinic, constipation is more common than several prominent chronic disorders, including gastroesophageal reflux disease, migraine, and sinusitis. In fact, constipation accounted for an estimated 5.7 million healthcare provider visits in 2001, 2.7 million of which concluded with a primary diagnosis of the condition. Education on current approaches to reduce the ongoing burden of chronic constipation is of particular importance in the primary care setting, as 2.1 million of those 2.7 million constipation diagnoses occurred in the outpatient setting. As evidence continues to emerge regarding the frequent presentation of chronic constipation in the primary care setting and novel treatment approaches, primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants require education on current strategies for the diagnosis and management of the condition to maximize outcomes and improve patient quality of life.

Target Audience

This activity is designed for primary care physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

Objectives

1. Define the prevalence and burden of chronic constipation and the impact on patient quality of life;
2. Outline the diagnostic criteria for chronic constipation;
3. Summarize the evidence for the safety and effectiveness of traditional and new approaches to constipation management;
4. Put into primary care practice current diagnostic and treatment approaches for constipation to maximize outcomes and improve patient quality of life.

Accreditation

Medicine
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint sponsorship of the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and NACCME-Princeton CME. The University of Kentucky College of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Each physician should claim only those hours of credit actually spent in the educational activity.

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine presents this activity for educational purposes only. Participants are expected to utilize their own expertise and judgment while engaged in the practice of medicine. The content of the presentations is provided solely by presenters who have been selected for presentations because of recognized expertise in their field.

Faculty Disclosure

Dr. Cash is a speaker for Novartis, Salix and Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc.

Dr. Kuritzky is a speaker for Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc.

Dr. Fass is a speaker for AstraZeneca; serves as a consultant for AstraZeneca, Wyeth, TAP, Altana and Xenoport; and recevies research support from AstraZeneca, Wyeth, TAP and Ocera.

Activity Sponsorship

This activity is jointly sponsored by the University of Kentucky and NACCME-Princeton CME. Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from, Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc., and Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc..