Awareness and Implementation of the 2014 ESPGHAN/NASPGHAN Guideline for Childhood Functional Constipation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess whether physicians approach children with functional constipation according to the 2014 European Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN)/North American Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) guideline.

METHODS: We invited pediatricians and pediatric gastroenterologists in the Netherlands and the United States to participate in this anonymous survey using a self-developed questionnaire containing 19 multiple choice questions concerning evaluation and treatment of children with constipation.

RESULTS: We included 328 physicians (67% from the United States, 34% from the Netherlands). The majority of US responders (53%) worked in primary care, whereas all Dutch responders worked in a hospital. In total, 31% of responders were not familiar with the guideline (38% US responders vs 16% Dutch responders, P < 0.001). Perianal inspection was frequently ("often" or "always" on a 5-point Likert scale) conducted by 78% of responders. Digital rectal examination was frequently done by 42%. Inquiry about sexual abuse was made by 18%. Commonly reported reasons for omitting these items were perceived patient or parental discomfort. Most frequently implemented initial nonpharmacological interventions included a toilet training program (89%), optimizing fluid and fiber intake (86% and 81%), a defecation diary (62%), and a reward system (60%). Polyethylene glycol was the most prescribed medication for disimpaction (68%) and maintenance treatment (57% for infants, 97% for children ≥1 year).

CONCLUSIONS: Many responders were not familiar with the ESPGHAN/NASPGHAN guideline for functional constipation. Nonetheless, therapeutic decisions correlated fairly well with recommendations from the guideline, especially for children 1 year of age or older. Guideline awareness and adherence remain to be improved. Future studies should focus on exploring strategies to improve guideline implementation through the development of digital learning tools.