10 Exemplars 233
Summary
Since implementing the new protocol, 14 patients have utilized this protocol for
their UAE procedures. One of these patients was excluded from the protocol due
to pre-existing bowel disease, and another patient was excluded because she pre-
ferred to use homeopathic remedies. Of the remaining 12 patients, 11 reported
bowel movements within 72 hours (three days) post-procedure (91.7% percent)
compared to five to ten days pre-protocol implementation. Only one patient
reported a bowel movement six days post-procedure and reported that this was
her normal bowel habit. An evaluation of the change in practice revealed that the
patients who received the pre-operative bowel program benefited more by having
shorter days of constipation.
The EBP project brought staff excitement and increased interest in the use of evi-
dence. The team plans to continue to educate patients on the importance of fol-
lowing this protocol when preparing for a UAE procedure. The team has already
started exploring the possibilities of taking this EBP project to the next level by
conducting a research study to validate the effectiveness of the protocol.
