Background: Constipation is a common complication identified among critically ill
patients. It leads to a host of problems for patients admitted to critical care; it contributes to
failure to feed, delayed weaning from mechanical ventilation and longer hospital stay. The
aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of implementing Murdoch bowel protocol on the
occurrence of constipation among critically ill patients. Design: A Quasi experimental
design was utilized for this study. Subject: A purposive sample of 68 adult patients aged 20
years or more from both genders. Setting: The study was conducted at the Intensive care
units at El-Fayoum University Hospitals. Tools: Three tools were used in the study (I)
Patient's Demographic and Health Relevant Information which included (a), demographic
characteristics, (b) health relevant information, (II) Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS), tool
(III) Constipation Assessment Scale (CAS). Results: this study revealed that, near three
quarter of the control group had constipation, versus one fifth in the study group. Moreover,
above two fifth of the study group showed ideal stool versus less than one fifth of the control
group. Conclusion: applying Murdoch bowel protocol showed significant improvement in
reduction of the incidence of constipation among critically ill patients. Recommendation:
Implementing Murdoch Bowel Protocol for critically ill patients and apply the Protocol steps
on a regular basis. An assessment tool such as Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) for
assessment of patient's bowel condition should be incorporated as a part of routine care for
critically ill patients.