Effect of Pre-Surgery Constipation Podcast: A RCT

In this study, the investigators will evaluate the effect of a podcast on constipation on the number of patients with constipation. It is hypothesised that the podcast on constipation, will prevent constipation in the period leading up to and after surgery. This is a randomised controlled trial. The population of the study will consist of patients with planned orthopaedic surgery (knee, hip, shoulder, and back) at the Elective Surgery Centre, Silkeborg Regional Hospital. The sample of the study will consist of patients 18 years or older, who are able to understand, read and write Danish, has an email address, has access to and is able to navigate a computer, tablet or smartphone, does not have severe hearing loss, does not have cognitive dysfunction or other mental illness that would make participation difficult, is not participating in other trials at the Elective Surgery Centre, is not diagnosed with a gastrointestinal condition (Crohns, Colitis ulcerosa or celiac disease), and does not previously have received a colostomy or ileostomy. Patients will be randomised to either a control group or an intervention group. Both groups will receive the standard information at the preoperative consultation and after randomisation. The intervention group will also receive a podcast. The study will collect data using an online questionnaire, that includes The ROME IV Diagnostic Criteria for functional constipation and "The Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QOL)". Data will be collected at 4 times: (1) after the preoperative consultation (baseline), (2) 1-2 days prior to surgery, (3) 1 week after surgery, and (4) 4 weeks after surgery.