Abstract
Faecal incontinence and its associated complications, skin damage and secondary infections, are significant problems in hospitalised patients. These problems are noteworthy in terms of diminishing patient health, comfort and wellbeing as well as increased cost to the health care system. This article describes the presence of faecal incontinence and skin damage in hospitalised patients and factors that are postulated to contribute to their occurrence. The risk of faecal incontinence for hospital-acquired infections is also addressed. The information supports the importance of managing faecal incontinence and preventing its complications by nurses, which will be addressed in a complementary article in the next issue of the WCET Journal.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 35-39 |
| Journal | World Council of Enterostomal Therapists Journal |
| Volume | 31 |
| State | Published - 2011 |