Improving awareness, documentation and care of bowel movements in learning disabilities and autism – Finalists in Learning Disabilities Nursing

Claire Stickels, Trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioner is a finalist in the Learning Disabilities Nursing category for leading work to break the taboo around poo. 

Constipation is a contributor to death for people with a learning disability (LeDeR reports), and Claire is passionate about reducing health inequalities for some of our most vulnerable patients. 

The project followed quality improvement methodology and aimed to identify constipation at an early stage or any changes to bowel habits that could indicate a physical health condition. It also aimed to empower patients and staff alike to have healthy and open conversations regarding their bowel movement and urine health and when to act upon it. 

Claire’s project led to several improvements including: 

A physical health group and patient forum were established to foster open conversations.
Patients have been taught to self-report with a patient friendly chart.
Vinyl stickers added to toilets to help patients identify good and bad bowel movements.
Standardised chart for staff members to use.
Staff and patients feel more empowered to talk about bowel movements. 

Claire said: “It is a real honour to be nominated and shortlisted for the Nursing Times Awards in the Learning Disabilities Nursing category. Ensuring that our patients are supported in all aspects of their health and wellbeing – including the taboo around poo- is essential in the overall aim of reducing health inequalities.

"Although my colleagues’ joke that I am the poo nurse, recognising that people with a learning disability die from constipation shows how important it is to highlight these issues and do all we can to support staff and patients. Whatever the outcome I am thrilled that learning disability nursing is being acknowledged and recognised for the wonderful profession that it is.”