Abstract
Faecal incontinence is a common condition of the elderly which causes shame and embarrassment and this can lead to isolation from family and friends who find it difficult to cope with the situation. The failure to control stool not only causes psychological stress to individuals but to an ill patient it can also be a great source of infection thus adding and leading to complications. This literature review will consider whether such a definition will assist nurses in their initial assessment, treatment and day to day care with the view of improving the quality of life of such patients. Although academics argue that there is a need for a much clearer definition or description, they are still not able to come to a general consensus as to whether such a definition should include psychological as well as physical conditions of such patients. Still yet, a few appear to be of the opinion that this definition should include the above as well as the socio and economic impact on the patient’s quality of life. Whilst conducting this literature review, it was found that there is a dearth of knowledge about urinary incontinence and attempts have been made to deal with double incontinence. The writer feels that there should be intensive collaboration and synergy between researching faecal incontinence and urinary incontinence to bridge the gap between the two disciplines. It became apparent that a universal definition of FI could help to improve initial assessment and treatment for patients suffering from this condition. Studies carried out by Perry et al 2002, and Wexner et al 2002 would suggest that by adopting a similar approach to that of urinary incontinence could provide a basis for better treatment. Consequently, a universal definition could be used by nurses effectively to reduce patients’ problems associated with faecal incontinence and other chronic bowel disorders, provided they receive special training in the care of these conditions.
Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com
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