A “curriculum of information needs” of parents of children with chronic constipation

Chronic idiopathic constipation carries a significant burden on children and their families. Despite existing treatment guidelines, adherence and outcomes remain poor, with gaps in parental understanding contributing to these outcomes. This study aimed to develop a “curriculum of information needs” for parents of children with chronic constipation. This is a qualitative study which employed 15 semi-structured interviews with parents and health care professionals, in the United Kingdom. Thematic analysis of data produced 4 themes, with the primary study objective described in the first theme of a “curriculum of information needs.” This curriculum encompasses key topics, such as; understanding constipation, behavioral strategies for management, and medication use, providing a framework to enhance parental knowledge and understanding of chronic constipation. Future efforts could integrate findings into designing accessible resources, including digital platforms and Artificial Intelligence-driven treatment tools, to improve adherence and outcomes.