Guidelines for Management of Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction in Individuals with a Spinal Cord Injury and Other Central Neurological Conditions

Changes in bowel function and control have a considerable impact on
the quality of life of individuals with central neurological conditions.
Among individuals with spinal cord injury, for example, loss of bowel
control is often seen as more significant than loss of ambulation.
Managing this change in function has implications for independence and
autonomy, community integration and long-term health for the affected
individual. It is therefore an important area of care and rehabilitation.
The purpose of these guidelines is to bring together the research
evidence and current best practice to provide support for healthcare
practitioners involved in the care of individuals with a range of central
neurological conditions. While most research evidence around
neurogenic bowel management is related to individuals with spinal cord
injury, the principles identified can be applied to individuals with other
conditions with appropriate assessment and evaluation; hence this
document has been expanded to reflect the needs of a wider
neurological patient population. This document provides guidance, standards, protocols, and information to support appropriate effective and individualised bowel management
whichrespectsthedignityoftheindividual,inallsettingswherepeoplewith
central neurological conditions receive care.