Description

This How to module provides practitioners with information about how to perform digital removal of faeces in a safe, effective and patient-centred manner, promoting privacy and dignity. Passing faecal matter is essential to enable the elimination of waste. For some people, however, defecation is not possible without some form of intervention; this could be the administration of oral medication or an enema, insertion of suppositories or digital removal of faeces. Bowel care is a fundamental aspect of patient care. Digital removal of faeces should be performed by a healthcare practitioner competent in this skill. Digital removal of faeces is an invasive procedure and should only be carried out when necessary following holistic patient assessment.