Date Presented 04/03/2025
This study identifies OT practitioners' perceptions of bowel and bladder management. A mixed-methods design was used to assess practitioners' knowledge, interventions, and barriers to care and identify evidence-based practices.
Primary Author and Speaker: Maria C. Sanchez
Additional Authors and Speakers: Nayeli Acosta, Jeff Arruiza, Jose Cano, Genevieve V. Daan, Armando Martinez, Irene Rios, David D. Roberts
Contributing Authors: Daisy Celeste Alvarado, William Roberts
PURPOSE: This study aims to identify interventions, strategies, and methods used by occupational therapists for bowel and bladder management. The findings will improve understanding of the approaches applied by practitioners for individuals with bowel and bladder dysfunctions.
DESIGN: A mixed-method parallel convergent design examined the relationship between occupational therapy practitioners' knowledge of bowel and bladder management and their lived experiences. Quantitative methods assessed the demographics of interventions used. A phenomenological approach focused on perceived challenges.
METHOD: 36 participants were recruited through a nationwide QuestionPro survey with quantitative and qualitative questions. Purposive, snowball, and convenience sampling were used in the recruitment process. Qualitative data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis (Braun and Clarke, 2006), while descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized through SPSS to compare perceived readiness and experience in bowel and bladder practice and the link between occupational therapy practitioner experience and readiness in bowel and bladder management.
RESULTS: Common occupational therapy interventions include toilet scheduling, pelvic floor exercises, and dietary changes, some practitioners stated using none. Perceived bowel and bladder management readiness does not correlate with occupational therapy experience. CEU participants and those with informal training felt more prepared. Qualitative Thematic analysis revealed three key themes: (1) knowledge, (2) experience, and (3) decision-making.
CONCLUSION: This study identifies current interventions and perceived readiness in occupational therapists. Factors such as knowledge, experience, and decision-making play a role in implementing bowel and bladder management interventions. Future research is needed to understand the role of occupational therapists in managing bowel and bladder dysfunctions.
References
Amatya, B., Elmalik, A., Lowe, M., & Khan, F. (2015). Evaluation of the structured bowel management program in inpatient rehabilitation: a prospective study. Disability and Rehabilitation, 38(6), 544–551. https://doi.org/10.3109/09638288.2015.1047970v
American Occupational Therapy Association. (2024). What is occupational therapy? Aota.org; American Occupational Therapy Association. https://www.aota.org/about/what-is-ot
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
Mack, I., Hahn, H., Gödel, C., Enck, P., & Bharucha, A. E. (2024). Global prevalence of fecal incontinence in community-dwelling adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 22(4). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cgh.2023.09.004
