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For documents located in SharePoint Site (CA SJ Wound and Ostomy) look for the article and click it to open. May 2026- Preventing faecal incontinence in patients with functional GI disorders. Don't forget to write your name with each posting.
1) Describe the method used by the author of the study
The author, Yohei Okawa, conducted a narrative review to summarise existing knowledge on preventing faecal incontinence in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders. He searched major databases including PubMed, Zentralblatt für die gesamte Medizin, and Ichushi Web for English-language articles published between January 1983 and December 2024. Search terms focused on “faecal incontinence,” “nursing care,” and “preventive measures.” Relevant studies were critically reviewed, with emphasis on those useful for nurses, while studies on organic gastrointestinal diseases were mostly excluded. This exploratory approach allowed the author to present background information, research trends, challenges, and practical nursing recommendations without following the strict rules of a systematic review.
2) Discuss the research question or main problem discussed in the study
The main problem addressed in the article is the high prevalence and negative impact of faecal incontinence among patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome. Many patients struggle with daily activities due to involuntary loss of stool, which affects their dignity, skin health, and quality of life. The central research question is whether nursing care can effectively prevent or improve fecal incontinence in these patients. The author explores this by examining dietary therapy, bowel habit training, skin care, pelvic floor muscle exercises, and proper use of continence products, highlighting that timely nursing interventions can reduce symptoms and help patients maintain independence and comfort.
1. Describe the method used by the author of the study.
This study's method uses a narrative review which gathers prior research but is not bound by specific criteria, rather the review uses the background and research for a particular subject, summarizes it and provides a new and subjective perspective of the topic. Narrative reviews are not limited by strict research criteria or methodology and therefore can give more of a general overview of its subject matter. Specifically, the study is reviewing research on nursing care that may help to prevent or improve fecal incontinence using prior knowledge, challenges and future efforts.
2. Discuss the sample size used in the study.
This study relies only on reviews of scientific knowledge and consensus statements without regard to sample size, study design or patient age restrictions. Only English language publications from PubMed, Zentralblatt für die gesammte Medizin and Ichushi Web databases from January 1983 to December 2024 were used. Key words used to narrow the search were 'fecal incontinence', 'nursing care', and 'preventative measures'. Also, studies must include functional gastrointestinal disorders such as IBS, functional diarrhea and constipation. Exclusion criteria were patients with underlying organic GI disorders like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, both of which would be difficult to prevent solely through factors like lifestyle changes and diet.
Discuss the method used by the author of the study The study design was a narrative review, which aimed to comprehensively summarize previous research. These reviews are not bound by strict methodology, but instead aim to present the background of a topic, the course of research and new perspectives, incorporating the subjective judgements and interpretations of the researchers. The focus of this review was to identify aspects that are useful for nurses, other health professionals and patients. This narrative review was conducted to investigate what types of nursing care are needed to prevent or improve fecal incontinence through a review of existing knowledge, challenges and future prospects.
Discuss the limitations of the article: limited sample size, design flaws, and/or author bias. Narrative reviews can have multiple limitations. These literature reviews tell a story about research in a particular field and interprets and integrates it from an expert’s unique perspective. Unlike systematic reviews, which involve strict search criteria, a narrative review aims to organize a wide range of background knowledge, ideas, and research trends on a specific research topic and present a persuasive argument. Some areas may be perceived as lacking in academic discussion or transparency.
Describe the method used by the author of the study.
The author used a narrative review to examine existing research on preventing faecal incontinence in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders. Unlike a systematic review, a narrative review provides a broad overview of the available literature and allows the author to interpret findings from an expert perspective. The author searched the PubMed, Zentralblatt für die gesammte Medizin, and Ichushi Web databases for English-language studies published between January 1983 and December 2024 using the keywords "fecal incontinence," "nursing care," and "preventive measures." The review included studies relevant to functional gastrointestinal disorders and excluded research on organic gastrointestinal diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis because those conditions require different treatment approaches. There were no restrictions on publication date, sample size, study design, or patient age.
Discuss the research question or main problem discussed in the study.
The main research question was whether nursing care can help prevent or improve faecal incontinence in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders. The author sought to identify evidence-based nursing interventions by reviewing existing research on the topic. The study addressed the problem that, despite the high prevalence of faecal incontinence, there is still no clearly established nursing care protocol for its prevention and management. The review concluded that nurses play a critical role in preventing or reducing faecal incontinence by providing dietary and lifestyle advice, bowel habit instruction, pelvic floor muscle training, skin care, and individualized continence care plans to improve patients' quality of life.
1. Discuss the research question or main problem discussed in the study?
The study focuses on how bowel problems in people with functional gastrointestinal disorders can lead to fecal incontinence. This condition can affect a person’s daily life, comfort, and quality of life. The researchers looked at ways to identify risks early and find better ways to prevent fecal incontinence through proper care and management.
2.what are the advantages and disadvantages to the proposed recommendations in the article?
Advantages The recommendations can help prevent fecal incontinence by finding problems early and giving patients the right care. They can help people manage their symptoms, feel better, and improve their daily lives. Teaching patients about diet, bowel habits, and healthy choices can also help them take better care of their condition. Disadvantages Some recommendations may be hard to follow because changing habits takes time and effort. Treatment may not work the same for everyone because each person has different symptoms. Some patients may need extra support from healthcare providers, which may not always be available. More research is needed to find the best ways to prevent fecal incontinence.
Discuss the research question or main problem discussed in the study. In this article the researcher’s goal was to figure out where or not nurses can prevent fecal incontinence, specifically in patients with functional GI disorders. In the practical setting, the nurse not only becomes a key component of patient care specifically with cleaning soiled patients and providing incontinence care, but also with utilizing ancillary resources. Examples of that are implementing recommendation from departments such as pharmacy, dietary and wound care and exploring incontinence care products. Interestingly enough, this article concludes there are no clear evidence-based specific guidelines in place for nursing despite this disorder being common amongst many patients.
Describe the method used by the author of the study. The researcher used a narrative review of literature which is summarizing previously publicized research articles. The author does explain that the purpose of the narrative review is to be “exploratory” to discuss the topic of fecal incontinence and the role of nursing. The goal was to provide purposeful insight for the nursing staff and other health professionals specifically for this population of patients with “functional incontinence.”
Discuss the research question or main problem discussed in the study?
The main problem addressed in this study is the high prevalence and profound negative impact of fecal incontinence in patients suffering from GI disorders, such as IBS and functional diarrhea,. It’s critical to highlight that this condition significantly affects a patient’s dignity, skin health, and overall quality of life but there's currently no clearly established nursing care protocol for its prevention and management. The main question sought to determine whether proactive nursing care, including dietary therapy, bowel habit training, and pelvic floor muscle exercises, could effectively prevent or improve fecal incontinence in these patients. The author aimed to address a significant gap in clinical guidelines by exploring how timely nursing interventions can reduce symptoms and help patients maintain their independence,. This problem is especially relevant to nursing because we're often the primary caregivers responsible for providing care and managing the daily life challenges associated with this condition.
Discuss the limitations of the article: limited sample size, design flaws, and/or author bias.
The biggest limitation of this article is its design as a narrative review, which lacks the strict methodology and rigorous search criteria required for a systematic review. I think this creates a risk of the author being biased because the findings and recommendations are based on subjective judgments and perspectives of the researcher rather than a thorough evaluation of all available evidence,. The author openly acknowledges that because the review is exploratory, some areas may be perceived as lacking in transparency or depth. Also, the exclusion of patients with organic GI diseases, such as Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis, represents a potential design flaw that limits the application of the results to a wider patient population that also suffers from incontinence, The decision to search only English language publications across a limited number of databases restricts the scope of the study and leaving out relevant international research. In the end, because this review only sums up what experts already agree on instead of studying a specific group of patients, we still don’t know for sure how well these nursing interventions work. Big, real‑world studies are still needed to prove their effectiveness.
1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed recommendations in the article? One advantage is that the recommendations focus on simple nursing care, such as improving diet, skin care, bowel habits, and pelvic floor exercises, which may help reduce or prevent fecal incontinence. These treatments are also less invasive than surgery and can improve a patient's comfort and quality of life. Another advantage is that the care plans can be adjusted to fit each patient's needs. A disadvantage is that not all of the recommendations have strong evidence to prove they work for every patient, and some people with severe cases may need more advanced treatments.
2. Discuss the research question or main problem discussed in the study. The main research question was whether nursing care can help prevent or improve fecal incontinence in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders. The author reviewed previous studies to identify the most effective nursing interventions and summarize current knowledge. The article found that nursing care, including dietary advice, bowel training, skin care, and pelvic floor muscle exercises, may help manage symptoms. It also pointed out that more research is needed because there is still limited high-quality evidence for some of these treatments.
1. Describe the method used by the author of the study.
This study utilized a narrative review design to offer a thorough evaluation of the existing literature on nursing care and fecal incontinence prevention. A narrative review, unlike a systematic review, is exploratory in nature, allowing researchers to integrate evidence while also including their professional interpretation and judgment. Relevant studies were located by searching the PubMed, Zentralblatt für die gesammte Medizin, and Ichushi Web databases. The search includes English-language literature published between January 1983 and December 2024 that used the keywords fecal incontinence, nursing care, and preventive measures. Retrieved publications were critically reviewed, and research that met the stated inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. The research sought to discover information that could help nurses, other healthcare providers, and patients prevent and manage fecal incontinence.
2. Discuss the limitations of the article: limited sample size, design flaws, and/or author bias.
One disadvantage of this study is its narrative review design, which is based on the authors' interpretation and synthesis of the literature rather than a standardised, systematic technique. As a result, the review may contain selection bias and lack clarity in how the studies were reviewed and included. Although the authors conducted a thorough literature search and critically analyzed the available information, some significant studies may have been overlooked, and certain subjects may not have been covered in depth. As a result, the findings should be read with caution, keeping in mind that the conclusions are based on the authors' professional opinion rather than a systematic review of all data.
Discuss the research question or main problem discussed in the study:
The aim of this study was to investigate if nursing care can prevent fecal incontinence in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders. The authors define fecal incontinence as the involuntary loss of feces that is a social or hygienic problem, which has multiple contributory factors for an individual patient. A narrative review was conducted to investigate exactly what types of nursing care are needed to prevent or improve this type of incontinence.
This research topic is interesting because it focuses on the nursing interventions related to fecal incontinence instead of solely the causes of the incontinence. The nursing interventions that were explored include skin care, continence care, product selection, and other additional care practices. While many of these interventions are inter-disciplinary in our ministry, it is important to remember that nursing plays a very large role in the prevention or improvement of incontinence.
How does this research article compare to our practice, policy, and/or procedure?:
The article’s recommended nursing interventions are centered around the prompt cleaning of fecal excrement and the prevention of incontinence associated dermatitis. Our practice here also focuses on cleaning soiled patients quickly, and minimizing wetness related to incontinence. We frequently participate in the suggested skin care practices including using our “purple wipes” and utilizing moisturizing cream to hydrate the skin. We also regularly use a barrier cream (zinc or desitin) for patients who are at a high-risk of skin breakdown from irritants. We utilize the recommended incontinence products like chux pads, and also assess stool characteristics that may indicate that a problem should be addressed. Nursing staff partners with dieticians to ensure that patients are receiving appropriate amounts of fiber and water. Some patients require low FODMAP diets to help avoid triggers that increase the risk of fecal incontinence.
One recommendation from the article that we do not use as regularly in the in-patient setting is bowel rhythm practices like defecation induction (sitting a patient on the toilet 30 minutes after each meal), or adjusting daily patterns of sleep, eating, and bowel movements for the patient. We typically require that patients adhere to our timing and tempo. While we do complete some education with patients relating to improving diet and lifestyle habits, we do not offer in-patient pelvic floor muscle training which can be beneficial to those dealing with fecal incontinence.
Discuss the main problem in the study. The main problem is fecal incontinence- unintentional leakage of stool in people with functional gastrointestinal disorders. In these patients, altered bowel habits, particularly diarrhea with urgency or constipation with overflow leakage, can make bowel control difficult. The study emphasizes helping patients manage their everyday life through dietary and lifestyle advise to improve stool consistency and identify triggers, bowel habits instructions and timely toileting routines, skin care to prevent moisture-associated irritation and breakdown after leakage, and pelvic floor muscle training effectiveness for bowel control.
Limitation of the article. The paper is useful as a practical, patient-centered nursing overview; but it's recommendations should be individualized and complemented by clinical evaluation for treatable causes of fecal incontinence, particularly when symptoms are new, severe, or persistent. Fecal incontinence can arise from conditions beyond functional GI disorders such as neurological, inflammatory bowel disease, medications effects, and structural problems like rectal prolapse. At the same time, there is difficulty separating interventions that would identify which component in the recommended approach produces any observed benefits.
Discuss the research question or main problem discussed in the study?
The study addresses the high prevalence of fecal incontinence among patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders and highlights the lack of a standardized nursing care protocol for its prevention and management. The aim of the review was to identify nursing interventions that may prevent or reduce fecal incontinence and lessen its impact on patients' quality of life. Key interventions examined included dietary modifications, bowel habit training, skin care management, and pelvic floor muscle training. The findings emphasize the vital role of nurses in providing individualized education, support, and symptom management strategies to help patients improve continence, maintain dignity, and enhance their overall quality of life.
discuss the limitations of the article: limited sample size, design flaws, and/or author bias One limitation of this study is that it did not include a specific patient sample size because it was a narrative review of previously published research. Narrative reviews are generally considered less rigorous than systematic reviews because the selection and interpretation of studies may be influenced by the author's judgment. Additionally, the review included studies with varying sample sizes, research designs, and patient populations, making it difficult to compare findings or identify the most effective nursing intervention. Furthermore, limiting the review to English-language publications may have introduced language and selection bias, potentially excluding relevant research published in other languages.
The method of this study was to use a narrative review on types of nursing interventions needed to prevent and/or improve fecal incontinence. This type of review uses a thematic interpretation of studies on a specific topic, in this case, fecal incontinence, to research the topic, rather than specific statistical protocols. This puts importance on the author’s expertise on the issue to identify patterns and relevant literature to include in their study. The author, Dr. Yohei Okawa, seems to have credibility in this area, as other articles published include “A Literature Review of Dietary Habits, Defecation Habits and Skill Care to Prevent Fecal Incontinence in Elderly Individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome” and “Feasibility of the Constipation Point-of-Care Ultrasound Educational Program in Observing Fecal Retention in the Colorectum: A Descriptive Study.”
How does this research article compare to our practice, policy and/or procedure?
The article reflects some similarities to our practice at PSJMC. One includes the use of medicines like loperamide to reduce incidents of diarrhea. Another practice is to encourage regular rectal emptying using suppositories and enemas.
1. Discuss the method use by the author of the study.
The article used a literature review method and did not conduct a new clinical experiment; instead, they examined previously published research to identify evidence about fecal incontinence associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders, particularly irritable bowel syndrome.
2. Discuss the limitations of the article: limited sample size, design flaws and/or author bias.
The major limitation of the article is its literature-review design rather than an original clinical study. Because the author did not recruit a defined patient sample or test an intervention, the recommendation cannot establish cause and effect. The research was also limited to PubMed and English-language studies, which may have excluded relevant evidence. In addition, the use of subjective criteria for IBS diagnosis may make it difficult to objectively identify patients at risk for fecal incontinence. Therefore, while the article provides useful information about dietary management, bowel habits and patient education, additional well-designed clinical studies with larger and more diverse patient populations are needed to determine the effectiveness of these preventive strategies.
1) Describe the method used by the author of the study
ReplyDeleteThe author, Yohei Okawa, conducted a narrative review to summarise existing knowledge on preventing faecal incontinence in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders. He searched major databases including PubMed, Zentralblatt für die gesamte Medizin, and Ichushi Web for English-language articles published between January 1983 and December 2024. Search terms focused on “faecal incontinence,” “nursing care,” and “preventive measures.” Relevant studies were critically reviewed, with emphasis on those useful for nurses, while studies on organic gastrointestinal diseases were mostly excluded. This exploratory approach allowed the author to present background information, research trends, challenges, and practical nursing recommendations without following the strict rules of a systematic review.
2) Discuss the research question or main problem discussed in the study
The main problem addressed in the article is the high prevalence and negative impact of faecal incontinence among patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome. Many patients struggle with daily activities due to involuntary loss of stool, which affects their dignity, skin health, and quality of life. The central research question is whether nursing care can effectively prevent or improve fecal incontinence in these patients. The author explores this by examining dietary therapy, bowel habit training, skin care, pelvic floor muscle exercises, and proper use of continence products, highlighting that timely nursing interventions can reduce symptoms and help patients maintain independence and comfort.
1. Describe the method used by the author of the study.
ReplyDeleteThis study's method uses a narrative review which gathers prior research but is not bound by specific criteria, rather the review uses the background and research for a particular subject, summarizes it and provides a new and subjective perspective of the topic. Narrative reviews are not limited by strict research criteria or methodology and therefore can give more of a general overview of its subject matter.
Specifically, the study is reviewing research on nursing care that may help to prevent or improve fecal incontinence using prior knowledge, challenges and future efforts.
2. Discuss the sample size used in the study.
This study relies only on reviews of scientific knowledge and consensus statements without regard to sample size, study design or patient age restrictions. Only English language publications from PubMed, Zentralblatt für die gesammte Medizin and Ichushi Web databases from January 1983 to December 2024 were used. Key words used to narrow the search were 'fecal incontinence', 'nursing care', and 'preventative measures'. Also, studies must include functional gastrointestinal disorders such as IBS, functional diarrhea and constipation. Exclusion criteria were patients with underlying organic GI disorders like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, both of which would be difficult to prevent solely through factors like lifestyle changes and diet.
Discuss the method used by the author of the study
ReplyDeleteThe study design was a narrative review, which aimed to
comprehensively summarize previous research. These reviews
are not bound by strict methodology, but instead aim to present
the background of a topic, the course of research and new
perspectives, incorporating the subjective judgements and
interpretations of the researchers. The focus of this review was to identify aspects that are useful for nurses, other health professionals and patients. This narrative review was conducted to investigate what types of nursing care are needed to prevent or improve fecal incontinence through a review of existing knowledge, challenges and future prospects.
Discuss the limitations of the article: limited sample size, design flaws, and/or author bias.
Narrative reviews can have multiple limitations. These literature reviews tell a story about research in a particular field and interprets and integrates it from an expert’s unique perspective. Unlike systematic reviews, which involve strict search criteria, a narrative review aims
to organize a wide range of background knowledge, ideas,
and research trends on a specific research topic and present a
persuasive argument. Some areas may be perceived as lacking in academic discussion or transparency.
Describe the method used by the author of the study.
ReplyDeleteThe author used a narrative review to examine existing research on preventing faecal incontinence in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders. Unlike a systematic review, a narrative review provides a broad overview of the available literature and allows the author to interpret findings from an expert perspective. The author searched the PubMed, Zentralblatt für die gesammte Medizin, and Ichushi Web databases for English-language studies published between January 1983 and December 2024 using the keywords "fecal incontinence," "nursing care," and "preventive measures." The review included studies relevant to functional gastrointestinal disorders and excluded research on organic gastrointestinal diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis because those conditions require different treatment approaches. There were no restrictions on publication date, sample size, study design, or patient age.
Discuss the research question or main problem discussed in the study.
The main research question was whether nursing care can help prevent or improve faecal incontinence in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders. The author sought to identify evidence-based nursing interventions by reviewing existing research on the topic. The study addressed the problem that, despite the high prevalence of faecal incontinence, there is still no clearly established nursing care protocol for its prevention and management. The review concluded that nurses play a critical role in preventing or reducing faecal incontinence by providing dietary and lifestyle advice, bowel habit instruction, pelvic floor muscle training, skin care, and individualized continence care plans to improve patients' quality of life.
1. Discuss the research question or main problem discussed in the study?
ReplyDeleteThe study focuses on how bowel problems in people with functional gastrointestinal disorders can lead to fecal incontinence. This condition can affect a person’s daily life, comfort, and quality of life. The researchers looked at ways to identify risks early and find better ways to prevent fecal incontinence through proper care and management.
2.what are the advantages and disadvantages to the proposed recommendations in the article?
Advantages
The recommendations can help prevent fecal incontinence by finding problems early and giving patients the right care. They can help people manage their symptoms, feel better, and improve their daily lives. Teaching patients about diet, bowel habits, and healthy choices can also help them take better care of their condition.
Disadvantages
Some recommendations may be hard to follow because changing habits takes time and effort. Treatment may not work the same for everyone because each person has different symptoms. Some patients may need extra support from healthcare providers, which may not always be available. More research is needed to find the best ways to prevent fecal incontinence.
by Cindy Wein RN
ReplyDeleteDiscuss the research question or main problem discussed in the study.
In this article the researcher’s goal was to figure out where or not nurses can prevent fecal incontinence, specifically in patients with functional GI disorders. In the practical setting, the nurse not only becomes a key component of patient care specifically with cleaning soiled patients and providing incontinence care, but also with utilizing ancillary resources. Examples of that are implementing recommendation from departments such as pharmacy, dietary and wound care and exploring incontinence care products. Interestingly enough, this article concludes there are no clear evidence-based specific guidelines in place for nursing despite this disorder being common amongst many patients.
Describe the method used by the author of the study.
The researcher used a narrative review of literature which is summarizing previously publicized research articles. The author does explain that the purpose of the narrative review is to be “exploratory” to discuss the topic of fecal incontinence and the role of nursing. The goal was to provide purposeful insight for the nursing staff and other health professionals specifically for this population of patients with “functional incontinence.”
Discuss the research question or main problem discussed in the study?
ReplyDeleteThe main problem addressed in this study is the high prevalence and profound negative impact of fecal incontinence in patients suffering from GI disorders, such as IBS and functional diarrhea,. It’s critical to highlight that this condition significantly affects a patient’s dignity, skin health, and overall quality of life but there's currently no clearly established nursing care protocol for its prevention and management. The main question sought to determine whether proactive nursing care, including dietary therapy, bowel habit training, and pelvic floor muscle exercises, could effectively prevent or improve fecal incontinence in these patients. The author aimed to address a significant gap in clinical guidelines by exploring how timely nursing interventions can reduce symptoms and help patients maintain their independence,. This problem is especially relevant to nursing because we're often the primary caregivers responsible for providing care and managing the daily life challenges associated with this condition.
Discuss the limitations of the article: limited sample size, design flaws, and/or author bias.
The biggest limitation of this article is its design as a narrative review, which lacks the strict methodology and rigorous search criteria required for a systematic review. I think this creates a risk of the author being biased because the findings and recommendations are based on subjective judgments and perspectives of the researcher rather than a thorough evaluation of all available evidence,. The author openly acknowledges that because the review is exploratory, some areas may be perceived as lacking in transparency or depth. Also, the exclusion of patients with organic GI diseases, such as Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis, represents a potential design flaw that limits the application of the results to a wider patient population that also suffers from incontinence, The decision to search only English language publications across a limited number of databases restricts the scope of the study and leaving out relevant international research. In the end, because this review only sums up what experts already agree on instead of studying a specific group of patients, we still don’t know for sure how well these nursing interventions work. Big, real‑world studies are still needed to prove their effectiveness.
1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed recommendations in the article?
ReplyDeleteOne advantage is that the recommendations focus on simple nursing care, such as improving diet, skin care, bowel habits, and pelvic floor exercises, which may help reduce or prevent fecal incontinence. These treatments are also less invasive than surgery and can improve a patient's comfort and quality of life. Another advantage is that the care plans can be adjusted to fit each patient's needs. A disadvantage is that not all of the recommendations have strong evidence to prove they work for every patient, and some people with severe cases may need more advanced treatments.
2. Discuss the research question or main problem discussed in the study.
The main research question was whether nursing care can help prevent or improve fecal incontinence in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders. The author reviewed previous studies to identify the most effective nursing interventions and summarize current knowledge. The article found that nursing care, including dietary advice, bowel training, skin care, and pelvic floor muscle exercises, may help manage symptoms. It also pointed out that more research is needed because there is still limited high-quality evidence for some of these treatments.
1. Describe the method used by the author of the study.
ReplyDeleteThis study utilized a narrative review design to offer a thorough evaluation of the existing literature on nursing care and fecal incontinence prevention. A narrative review, unlike a systematic review, is exploratory in nature, allowing researchers to integrate evidence while also including their professional interpretation and judgment. Relevant studies were located by searching the PubMed, Zentralblatt für die gesammte Medizin, and Ichushi Web databases. The search includes English-language literature published between January 1983 and December 2024 that used the keywords fecal incontinence, nursing care, and preventive measures. Retrieved publications were critically reviewed, and research that met the stated inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. The research sought to discover information that could help nurses, other healthcare providers, and patients prevent and manage fecal incontinence.
2. Discuss the limitations of the article: limited sample size, design flaws, and/or author bias.
One disadvantage of this study is its narrative review design, which is based on the authors' interpretation and synthesis of the literature rather than a standardised, systematic technique. As a result, the review may contain selection bias and lack clarity in how the studies were reviewed and included. Although the authors conducted a thorough literature search and critically analyzed the available information, some significant studies may have been overlooked, and certain subjects may not have been covered in depth. As a result, the findings should be read with caution, keeping in mind that the conclusions are based on the authors' professional opinion rather than a systematic review of all data.
Ronit Malamud
Discuss the research question or main problem discussed in the study:
ReplyDeleteThe aim of this study was to investigate if nursing care can prevent fecal incontinence in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders. The authors define fecal incontinence as the involuntary loss of feces that is a social or hygienic problem, which has multiple contributory factors for an individual patient. A narrative review was conducted to investigate exactly what types of nursing care are needed to prevent or improve this type of incontinence.
This research topic is interesting because it focuses on the nursing interventions related to fecal incontinence instead of solely the causes of the incontinence. The nursing interventions that were explored include skin care, continence care, product selection, and other additional care practices. While many of these interventions are inter-disciplinary in our ministry, it is important to remember that nursing plays a very large role in the prevention or improvement of incontinence.
How does this research article compare to our practice, policy, and/or procedure?:
The article’s recommended nursing interventions are centered around the prompt cleaning of fecal excrement and the prevention of incontinence associated dermatitis. Our practice here also focuses on cleaning soiled patients quickly, and minimizing wetness related to incontinence. We frequently participate in the suggested skin care practices including using our “purple wipes” and utilizing moisturizing cream to hydrate the skin. We also regularly use a barrier cream (zinc or desitin) for patients who are at a high-risk of skin breakdown from irritants. We utilize the recommended incontinence products like chux pads, and also assess stool characteristics that may indicate that a problem should be addressed. Nursing staff partners with dieticians to ensure that patients are receiving appropriate amounts of fiber and water. Some patients require low FODMAP diets to help avoid triggers that increase the risk of fecal incontinence.
One recommendation from the article that we do not use as regularly in the in-patient setting is bowel rhythm practices like defecation induction (sitting a patient on the toilet 30 minutes after each meal), or adjusting daily patterns of sleep, eating, and bowel movements for the patient. We typically require that patients adhere to our timing and tempo. While we do complete some education with patients relating to improving diet and lifestyle habits, we do not offer in-patient pelvic floor muscle training which can be beneficial to those dealing with fecal incontinence.
Discuss the main problem in the study.
ReplyDeleteThe main problem is fecal incontinence- unintentional leakage of stool in people with functional gastrointestinal disorders. In these patients, altered bowel habits, particularly diarrhea with urgency or constipation with overflow leakage, can make bowel control difficult.
The study emphasizes helping patients manage their everyday life through dietary and lifestyle advise to improve stool consistency and identify triggers, bowel habits instructions and timely toileting routines, skin care to prevent moisture-associated irritation and breakdown after leakage, and pelvic floor muscle training effectiveness for bowel control.
Limitation of the article.
The paper is useful as a practical, patient-centered nursing overview; but it's recommendations should be individualized and complemented by clinical evaluation for treatable causes of fecal incontinence, particularly when symptoms are new, severe, or persistent. Fecal incontinence can arise from conditions beyond functional GI disorders such as neurological, inflammatory bowel disease, medications effects, and structural problems like rectal prolapse.
At the same time, there is difficulty separating interventions that would identify which component in the recommended approach produces any observed benefits.
Discuss the research question or main problem discussed in the study?
ReplyDeleteThe study addresses the high prevalence of fecal incontinence among patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders and highlights the lack of a standardized nursing care protocol for its prevention and management. The aim of the review was to identify nursing interventions that may prevent or reduce fecal incontinence and lessen its impact on patients' quality of life. Key interventions examined included dietary modifications, bowel habit training, skin care management, and pelvic floor muscle training. The findings emphasize the vital role of nurses in providing individualized education, support, and symptom management strategies to help patients improve continence, maintain dignity, and enhance their overall quality of life.
discuss the limitations of the article: limited sample size, design flaws, and/or author bias
One limitation of this study is that it did not include a specific patient sample size because it was a narrative review of previously published research. Narrative reviews are generally considered less rigorous than systematic reviews because the selection and interpretation of studies may be influenced by the author's judgment. Additionally, the review included studies with varying sample sizes, research designs, and patient populations, making it difficult to compare findings or identify the most effective nursing intervention. Furthermore, limiting the review to English-language publications may have introduced language and selection bias, potentially excluding relevant research published in other languages.
Describe the method used by this study.
ReplyDeleteThe method of this study was to use a narrative review on types of nursing interventions needed to prevent and/or improve fecal incontinence. This type of review uses a thematic interpretation of studies on a specific topic, in this case, fecal incontinence, to research the topic, rather than specific statistical protocols. This puts importance on the author’s expertise on the issue to identify patterns and relevant literature to include in their study. The author, Dr. Yohei Okawa, seems to have credibility in this area, as other articles published include “A Literature Review of Dietary Habits, Defecation Habits and Skill Care to Prevent Fecal Incontinence in Elderly Individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome” and “Feasibility of the Constipation Point-of-Care Ultrasound Educational Program in Observing Fecal Retention in the Colorectum: A Descriptive Study.”
How does this research article compare to our practice, policy and/or procedure?
The article reflects some similarities to our practice at PSJMC. One includes the use of medicines like loperamide to reduce incidents of diarrhea. Another practice is to encourage regular rectal emptying using suppositories and enemas.
1. Discuss the method use by the author of the study.
ReplyDeleteThe article used a literature review method and did not conduct a new clinical experiment; instead, they examined previously published research to identify evidence about fecal incontinence associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders, particularly irritable bowel syndrome.
2. Discuss the limitations of the article: limited sample size, design flaws and/or author bias.
The major limitation of the article is its literature-review design rather than an original clinical study. Because the author did not recruit a defined patient sample or test an intervention, the recommendation cannot establish cause and effect. The research was also limited to PubMed and English-language studies, which may have excluded relevant evidence. In addition, the use of subjective criteria for IBS diagnosis may make it difficult to objectively identify patients at risk for fecal incontinence. Therefore, while the article provides useful information about dietary management, bowel habits and patient education, additional well-designed clinical studies with larger and more diverse patient populations are needed to determine the effectiveness of these preventive strategies.