Specialist bladder and bowel incontinence nurse Sarah Day provides an overview of the principles and practice of bowel incontinence management in the community
Bowel or faecal incontinence is the involuntary loss of stool or flatus. It affects an individual’s physical, psychological, and social wellbeing. Prevalence is difficult to estimate as it is often under‑reported due to embarrassment. However, liquid stool incontinence is more common than formed stool incontinence, with rates of up to 60% observed in care/residential homes.
Bowel incontinence is a symptom, but due to embarrassment may not be mentioned by a patient unless directly asked. It requires a holistic approach and assessment. Nurses working in primary care are therefore ideally placed to identify at-risk individuals, promote preventive measures through education and lifestyle advice, initiate treatment or refer to specialist services when required.
Learning objectives
This module will support practice nurses in assessing patients sensitively and provide evidence-based care by:
- Understanding the anatomy and physiology of continence.
- Exploring potential underlying causes.
- Identifying red flag symptoms.
- Reviewing management strategies.
Author: Sarah Day RGN, BA Hons, PGDIP SCPHN
Date published: 13.03.2026
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