Faecal Incontinence Hx

Question 1

General Structure of Faecal Incontinence Hx

Answer 1

History of bowel habit 
PMHx
Drug Hx
Diet and Fluid Hx 
Consequences 
Impact on QoL

Question 2

Questions to ask about History of bowel habit:

Bowel habit
Consistency
Wind/stool
Bowel empyting?

Answer 2

What is your normal bowel habit?
Has this changed?
Any blood/mucus?

What is the usual consistency?
Does this vary?
Do you have to strain?

Can you tell the difference between about to pass wind/stool?

Are you able to delay emptying your bowels?
Any tummy pain or bloating before going?
Do you have the feeling of incomplete emptying?
Have you ever had to use your finger?

Are you able to clean yourself after passing stool?

Question 3

Questions to ask if faecal incontinence reported

Answer 3

How often does it happen?

When has it happened? Is there any pattern to this?

How much leaks? What is the consistency of the leakage?

Can it be wiped away easily?

Do you get the sensation of the need to empty your bowels before you leak?

Is that sensation an urgent need to empty your bowels?

Does soiling occur after a bowel motion has been passed?

Do you wear pads (or something else) in your underwear? Are they effective?

Question 4

Questions to ask about PMHx

Answer 4

Constipation/diarrhoea?
How many children? Difficult delivery?
Surgery?

Urinary incontinence?
Rectal prolapse?
Diabetes? 
Stroke 
Cancer?

Question 5

Questions to ask about Diet/Social Hx

Answer 5

What do you typically eat?
Do you eat three meals a day?
Do you have snacks?
How much water do you drink?
Do you drink other fluids?
Do you take any supplements?
Do you eat fruit and vegetables?

Are you able to cook for yourself?
Do you have easy access to loo?
Do you need assistance to go to the loo?

Question 6

Questions to ask about Conseqeunces?

Answer 6

Do you experience itching or soreness around the back passage?