Digital Rectal Examination & Manual Removal of Faeces

What's covered on the day?

This full day session will give the Registered Practitioners attending the opportunity to explore Bowel Assessment and Function, including Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) & Manual Removal of Faeces (MRF). It will equip the learners with a theoretical understanding of the importance of considering both of these as part of the wider bowel continence process & not as stand alone aspects. The learners will explore the key factors when looking at DRE & MRF as potential management of the patient’s condition, including the cautions & contra-indications of these procedures. Learners will have the opportunity to practice aspects of the skill in simulation, although will not be assessed formally, a declaration of self-competency will be issued to attendees for completion after a period of consolidation and supervision in the workplace, or in line with organisational policies. The learners will undertake a knowledge assessment during the day to ensure that the theoretical aspect of the course has been fully met.

Assessment

There will be a knowledge assessment at the end of this course, where learners will be required to meet an 80% mark to obtain a certificate of completion. Learners will not be formally assessed on the practical aspect of this course, but will be given a self-competency declaration form to use within their workplace and in line with their organisation policies on clinical skills

Learning Objectives

• Review the anatomy and physiology of the lower gastro-intestinal tract in both the male and female patient
• Define bowel dysfunction and list its potential causes
• Explain the process of performing a full bowel function assessment and explain some of the investigations
• List the contraindications of performing DRE and MRF
• Recall the cautions that are required when considering performing DRE and MRF as part of a bowel assessment
• Apply the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 when considering undertaking a bowel function assessment including DRE and MRF
• Name the equipment required to perform DRE and MRF
• Identify the correct procedure for performing DRE and MRF and simulate this where possible