Assessing a Stool Symptom Screener in Patients With Chronic Opioid-Induced Constipation

Assessing the Content Validity of a Stool Symptom Screener in Patients With Chronic Opioid-Induced Constipation

This qualitative research is to assess the validity of the stool symptom screener that will be used in patients with chronic opioid-induced constipation to determine the adequacy of their response to laxatives.

Assessing the Content Validity of a Stool Symptom Screener in Patients with Chronic Opioid-Induced Constipation

Inclusion Criteria:

• Receiving a stable maintenance opioid regimen (total daily dose of 30-1000mg of oral morphine, or equianalgesic amounts of 1 or more other opioid therapies) for a minimum of 4 weeks for non-cancer related pain.
• Development of constipation symptoms since starting opioids.
• Taken laxatives to help with bowel movements for at least four days over the past 2 weeks.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Receiving opioid regimen for treatment of pain related to cancer.
• Participated in any clinical trial or research study relating to opioid use and/or constipation within the past year.
• History of cancer within 5 years from the time of screening.
• Has medical condition(s) and/or treatment(s) associated with diarrhea, intermittent loose stools, or constipation (e.g., fecal incontinence or chronic idiopathic constipation).
• Has irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or chronic functional constipation.