Summary of Fecal Incontinence and Constipation Practice Recommendations

Recommendation

Strength of Recommendation

1.0 The expert panel recommends that, prior to developing a plan of care or carrying out interventions, health providers conduct a focused initial assessment in collaboration with the person experiencing fecal incontinence and/or constipation.

As a good practice, this statement does not require application of the GRADE system.

2.0 The expert panel recommends that as part of a wider multicomponent program, health providers encourage persons living with constipation to engage in low-intensity physical activity for about 30-60 minutes (as tolerated) at least three times a week to help manage constipation.

Strong

3.0 The expert panel suggests that health providers counsel persons on adequate fibre intake to prevent and manage constipation.

Conditional

4.0 The expert panel recommends that as part of a wider multicomponent program, health providers counsel persons living with constipation on adequate fluid intake to help manage constipation.

Strong

5.0 The expert panel suggests that health providers promote the option of using psyllium fibre supplements for persons living with fecal incontinence in the community.

Conditional