Sources of evidence

Within the community, people with faecal incontinence, especially the elderly are likely to receive advice and treatment from community (district) nurses and specialist incontinence nurses . People recently discharged from hospital, or who have been assessed for placement in residential homes, including those with dementia, are likely to have a formal care plan detailing incontinence problems. The individual or their family is usually provided with their own copy of this plan. In some cases a copy may be available in the general practitioner records.

Information on incontinence and how it is managed may also be available from occupational therapists , physiotherapists, social workers and staff in residential homes. Customers, their relatives and other carers are often able to describe the help provided on a daily basis.

Reports from specialist incontinence teams may be obtained from the nurses and other therapists based in the clinic. People with medical conditions causing faecal incontinence may also attend neurology, gastroenterology, geriatric, colorectal surgical, neurosurgical or rehabilitation clinics. Information for people with learning disabilities may be obtained from community teams.

Amended April 2008