This course explores the anatomy, physiology around bowels and their function. The course is designed to educate care staff around the non-invasive management of bowels including preventing constipation and promoting continence.
Following the course learners should be able to:
Explain what constipation is and how it can vary between individuals.
Discuss the different causes of constipation.
Outline The Rome Criteria, and how this can be used to support assessment of constipation.
Demonstrate understanding of the causes of constipation and undertaking an assessment.
Discuss the dietary and lifestyle modifications that can relieve symptoms of constipation.
Outline the effects of constipation on a patient.
Explain the different types of laxatives and other medications available for constipation and what their mode of action is.
Demonstrate treating a patient with constipation.
Identify 5 factors that can influence bowel habit.
Discuss why a stool chart may be implemented, and how the Bristol Stool Scale is used.
Outline what is indicated by the following stool types: Balck, tarry (Melaena). Dark Red (Maroon) Bright red (fresh blood)
Demonstrate undertaking a stool specimen assessment.
Explain what faecal incontinence is.
Discuss the different causes of faecal incontinence.
Describe the psychological and physical impact on individuals.
Outline how to assess faecal incontinence and its underlying causes, e.g., by keeping a bowel diary and recording food and fluid intake.
Demonstrate understanding of the options for conservative management of symptoms and causes of faecal incontinence.
Explain what diarrhoea is.
Summarise the SIGHT protocol for suspected infectious diarrhoea.
Discuss the different types and causes of diarrhoea. Describe how to check for the potential complications of diarrhoea, e.g., malnutrition and dehydration.
Outline how to assess diarrhoea and its underlying causes by taking a medical history, and using food/fluid charts and a bowel diary.
Demonstrate understanding of the options for management of the symptoms and causes of diarrhoea.
Employer support that you will be utilising this skill as part of a care package and is appropriate to your role.
Dysreflexia Management (Digital rectal Examination) and advanced bowel intervention (Suppositories and Enemas administration).
For more information about this qualification, please contact our team at businesssolutions@newcollege.ac.uk.
