Bowel continence nursingBowel continence nursing

Abstract

This book is to be welcomed as it gives a comprehensive overview of the complexities involved in caring for and supporting patients with bowel continence problems. As the authors state, patients with a bowel disorder frequently report difficulty in discussing their symptoms, and as a result can feel misunderstood by the professionals responsible for their treatment. There are useful examples of patient assessment questionnaires and teaching tools, and extensive references for further reading after each topic. Patient stories are used to illustrate the need for physical and psychological approaches to symptom management, but this powerful descriptor could have been used more. The specialisation and developments in stoma care, colorectal and gastroenterology nursing are excellent, but increase the risk of fragmented care if each specialist concentrates on their own area of concern. This book offers an invaluable resource to nurses in any setting, and at all levels of experience, who encounter patients with bowel continence problems.