Assessing faecal incontinence

A previous grant from Crohn's and Colitis UK allowed researchers to test the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire – Bowels (ICIQ-B) to see whether it was suitable for people with IBD.  ICIQ-B is aimed at assessing faecal incontinence in the general population, so researchers wanted to know whether it is suitable for people with IBD.  They found that it was not suitable for IBD patients, mainly because it not take into account the changeable nature of IBD.  It also did not take into account some IBD specific issues – such as odour, noise, wind and pain.  

Being able to accurately record and measure the impact of faecal incontinence is important because it can help doctors and nurses better understand and meet patient's needs. 

The researchers now want to go on to develop a new bowel continence questionnaire which will be specific to patients with IBD.  As well as measuring bowel symptoms, it will also measure the emotion impact of faecal incontinence, and its effect on quality of life.  

This grant will fund consultation on, then development of, the new questionnaire. It is hoped this questionnaire will be adopted and recognised internationally as a tool for use among IBD medical practitioners. 

Conclusions: 

This is an ongoing study with no conclusions as yet. 

What do researchers think this could mean for people with IBD?

Faecal incontinence is a very distressing symptom of IBD.  If the researchers can produce a IBD-specific continence questionnaire, then patients will be able to accurately record and report their bowel symptoms, which will then help healthcare professionals to assist and support patients.  It will also be useful in helping people describe symptoms which are otherwise too difficult to explain.   

Who's leading the research: Ms Lesley Dibley, Buckingham New University, High Wycombe 

Our funding: £26,718 over 12 months 

Official title of the application: “Adaptation of the ICIQ-B questionnaire for assessing incontinence, quality of life and psychosocial impact in people with IBD.” 

Tags: incontinence