Courses · Nursing Care
Complex Bowel Care
Support a bowel management program for people with neurogenic bowel and complex needs — and recognise constipation, impaction and obstruction before they become emergencies.
Important — this module does not certify you
IMPORTANT — This is a non-accredited course and this Certificate of Completion is not a Statement of Attainment. Complex bowel care is a High Intensity Daily Personal Activity under the NDIS Practice Standards. You must be trained and assessed as competent for the specific participant by an appropriately qualified health practitioner, against their current bowel management plan. Digital rectal stimulation, digital removal of faeces, and the administration of suppositories and enemas each require their own specific training and authorisation for that person. See also our Suppository and Enema module.
About this module
Complex bowel care is a High Intensity Daily Personal Activity under the NDIS, and bowel problems are among the most common contributors to avoidable deaths of people with disability. This module covers normal bowel function, neurogenic bowel after spinal cord injury and other conditions, bowel management programs, timing and positioning, the Bristol Stool Chart, constipation, faecal impaction and overflow, bowel obstruction, medications that affect the bowel, the role of rectal medications and digital techniques (and the authorisation they require), autonomic dysreflexia, dignity and recording.
Who it is for
Support workers and SIL staff supporting participants with a bowel management program, including people with spinal cord injury, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and those taking medications that slow the bowel.
What you will be able to do
- Describe normal bowel function and neurogenic bowel
- Support a bowel management program as prescribed
- Use the Bristol Stool Chart to record accurately
- Recognise constipation, impaction, overflow and obstruction
- Recognise autonomic dysreflexia and respond as an emergency
Aligned to
- NDIS Practice Standards — High Intensity Daily Personal Activities Module
- NDIS High Intensity Support Skills Descriptors — Complex Bowel Care
- NDIS Commission practice alert — Constipation
- Spinal cord injury bowel management guidelines
Lesson plan
What the module covers
| # | Lesson | What it covers | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Normal bowel function and neurogenic bowel | How the bowel works, and what happens when the nerves don't. | 16m |
| 02 | Supporting a bowel management program | Timing, position, techniques and recording. | 18m |
| 03 | Complications and emergencies | Impaction, overflow, obstruction and autonomic dysreflexia. | 16m |
| ✓ | Final assessment | 10 scenario-based questions · pass mark 85% · unlimited attempts | ~15m |
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