Referrals
Constipation referral checklist
Referral checklist for refractory constipation, alarm symptoms, or concern for secondary pathology.
Last reviewed 2026-02-07|constipation | gastroenterology | workup
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Minimum pre-referral workup
- Symptom duration, stool pattern, and impact on function.
- Medication, diet, hydration, and mobility review.
- Alarm-feature screen and initial management response.
Urgency tier
- Same-day escalation for obstruction concern, severe pain, vomiting, or bleeding instability.
- Expedited referral for persistent alarm features or treatment failure.
- Routine referral for chronic refractory constipation without acute instability.
Referral packet checklist
- Baseline clinical history and alarm-feature findings.
- Investigations completed and treatment trial outcomes.
- Relevant comorbidities and medication list.
Pre-referral optimization tasks
- Continue bowel regimen and hydration strategy pending specialist review.
- Reinforce return precautions for obstruction or bleeding symptoms.
- Plan interval reassessment for trajectory monitoring.