Teaching transanal irrigation for functional bowel disorders.

ABSTRACT

Transanal irrigation of the bowel in the management of functional bowel disorders is currently receiving increased attention following the recent introduction of the Peristeen irrigation kit (Coloplast Ltd) in April 2007. Irrigation provides a welcome additional choice in the limited range of available interventions for the management of these patients. However, evidence to support clinical practice around irrigation is limited and nursing knowledge and experience of irrigation is only just developing. This paper reports a series of master classes conducted to support and develop the use of irrigation in the UK, and demonstrates the value of the master class as an educational tool when introducing a novel therapy.