Course Description:

This Bowel Care and Management course is designed for carers in the health and social care sector who support individuals with bowel care needs. It provides practical knowledge and essential skills to ensure safe, dignified, and person-centred bowel management. By enhancing carers’ understanding of bowel health, common conditions, and appropriate interventions, including the administration of suppositories and enemas under appropriate guidance, this course promotes improved comfort, health outcomes, and quality of life for those in their care.

Topics include:

• Understand the normal physiology of the digestive system, including the process of bowel movements and factors influencing bowel health.
• Recognise and differentiate between common bowel-related issues, such as constipation, diarrhoea, incontinence, and conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
• Learn how to observe and record bowel habits, identify warning signs of potential complications, and know when to seek further medical advice or support.
• Explore best practices for ensuring comfort, privacy, and respect during personal care routines, including continence care, use of appropriate aids and equipment, and positioning techniques.
• Understand the importance of infection prevention, safe handling of waste, and maintaining a clean environment to reduce the risk of cross-contamination and illness.
• Understand how to perform Digital Rectal Stimulation and Manual Evacuation of Faeces (where appropriate)
• Gain insights into how diet, hydration, and prescribed medications can influence bowel function, and learn strategies to support healthy bowel habits.
• Receive guidance on when and how to administer suppositories and enemas safely and effectively within the scope of carer responsibilities, ensuring appropriate supervision and adherence to care plans.
• Develop effective communication skills with individuals, families, and healthcare professionals to ensure accurate reporting, ongoing support, and continuous improvement in bowel care.

By completing this training, carers will be equipped to provide safe, informed, and compassionate bowel care, including the appropriate use of enemas, helping to maintain the dignity and well-being of those they support.