Pilot evaluation of structured group urotherapy sessions for children with complex elimination disorders in a regional hospital.

Abstract

Background

One in five children experience elimination disorders which may include nocturnal wetting, daytime wetting, constipation and faecal incontinence. Treatment for these disorders is often successful. However, research has shown an increasing number of children and adolescents who are not achieving successful outcomes. When a child does not respond they are considered to have what is termed a ‘complex elimination disorder’ (CED). The Urinary and Faecal Incontinence Training Program for Children and Adolescents (UFITPCA) has been developed in Germany for helping children with CED to achieve positive outcomes. The program offers a new treatment pathway that uses a group approach to treatment. Our pilot study aims to determine if the program will help children experiencing CED to achieve continence, reduce the frequency of symptoms and to improve their overall sense of wellbeing. Objectives/Aims

- To determine if applying the UFITPCA program to children aged 6-12 years will result in statistically significant reductions in the frequency of bladder and bowel symptoms. - To determine change in Quality of Life measures amongst the study group - To understand the experiences of key stakeholders Method

- Select participants, ensuring similar age and gender for group - Run 9 week UFITPCA program. Sessions run weekly for 1.5 hours - Measure symptom frequency and severity scores using Childhood Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction Questionnaire and Vancouver Symptoms of Dysfunctional Elimination Syndrome questionnaire. - Measures of quality of life will be determined using the measure for use in children with bladder dysfunction (PinQ). - Experiential data gathered through face-face semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders Results

Yet to be determined

Implications/Outcomes for Planned Research Project

Yet to be determined

Final Thoughts

We are encouraged by the initial pilot sessions conducted at the beginning of 2019 and the influence on the children’s wellbeing.