ENEMEEZ® Bowel Care Protocol in Rehab Cuts Incontinence by 37%

The ENEMEEZ® bowel care protocol in rehabilitation is helping facilities reduce incontinence and improve therapy outcomes. A recent nurse-led trial at a rehabilitation hospital in Hot Springs, Arkansas, demonstrates the measurable impact of ENEMEEZ® when used as part of a structured, standardized bowel management plan.

Why a Constipation Protocol Was Needed

Constipation is a common challenge in rehabilitation hospitals—particularly for middle-aged to older adults recovering from stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, or other mobility-limiting conditions. The hospital had previously observed inconsistencies in how constipation was treated, often relying heavily on oral laxatives. This led to unwanted side effects, including fecal incontinence and missed rehabilitation minutes.

To address this, a standardized nurse-led bowel care protocol was introduced, incorporating ENEMEEZ® mini enemas as a second-line intervention for patients unresponsive to oral treatments.

Trial Design: ENEMEEZ® Bowel Care Protocol in Rehabilitation

The hospital began its formal evaluation in December 2022. Patients who experienced at least one 3-day episode of constipation were included. Prior to the protocol, care plans varied widely and typically included hydration, exercise, and various oral laxatives.

• In January 2023, the ENEMEEZ® bowel care protocol was implemented:
• First-Line: Osmotic laxative (PEG), hydration, exercise
• Second-Line: ENEMEEZ® mini enema (5 mL with 283 mg docusate sodium), administered rectally when needed

ENEMEEZ® was added to the formulary and standing orders, allowing staff to deliver care consistently and efficiently.

Key Outcomes and Measurable Impact

The nurse-led protocol delivered immediate, measurable results:

• 37.5% reduction in fecal incontinence
• 33% reduction in missed rehabilitation therapy sessions

These outcomes highlight how ENEMEEZ® for constipation in rehab patients can support both clinical efficiency and patient comfort.

 

“Establishing a bowel protocol using ENEMEEZ® has reduced our incidence of prolonged constipation and fecal incontinence related to excessive oral laxative use, and led to fewer lost therapy minutes within our facility.”
— Infection Preventionist and Hospital Educator, RN, BSN

Why Choose ENEMEEZ® for Rehab Settings?

ENEMEEZ® is a fast-acting mini enema that typically works within 2–15 minutes. It supports effective bowel management in patients experiencing constipation due to:

• Spinal cord injuries and diseases

• Stroke recovery

• Traumatic brain injury

• Multiple sclerosis

• Long-term immobility

• General constipation in inpatient rehab settings

It’s especially effective when used as part of a predictive care path for consistent outcomes in bowel care.

 

How to Administer ENEMEEZ®

 

• Administer rectally

• The patient should lie on their left side with knees bent, or sit on the toilet

• Use only as directed in the protocol

Ready to Reduce Incontinence and Missed Therapy in Your Facility?

Quest Healthcare has partnered with top CARF-accredited, VA, and Model SCI Systems facilities for over 20 years to help improve bowel care strategies and rehabilitation success. Contact Quest Healthcare to learn how you can implement the ENEMEEZ® bowel care protocol and access the tools, training, and clinical support your team needs.

Submit a sample request or schedule an in-service today to explore how ENEMEEZ® can fit into your facility’s care plan and help your team deliver more consistent, dignified, and effective bowel management.

For more clinical data or product information, visit www.questproductsinc.com or contact Quest Products, LLC directly.