Participation in bowel emptying children and adolescents with neurogenic bladder and bowel

Background

All children and adolescents with myelomeningocele born in the western of Sweden are cared for The Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Gothenburg. The Regional Rehabilitation Centre for Children and Adolescents take care of children and adolescents (of 0 – 18 of age) with Neutrogena bladder and bowels. There is a team including registered nurses/urotherapists, paediatric urologist, paediatric neurologist and occupational therapists. Urine- and faeces incontinence is a common problem, if not treated or supported, which can be psychosocial problem, with isolation and difficulties in contact with other people.

The children/adolescents visit us at least yearly, for urological controls, investigations and follow-ups of treatment by the team, but also to find out how to empty their bowels. The target is obtaining bladder- and bowel continence – and to be autonomy to the greatest extent possible.

We know that these patients usually have cognitive problems that can give consequences in their daily situation and for their quality of life.

Of all cognitive difficulties it is impairment in executive functions as initiative capability, planning of action, focus on realisation and awareness of time, which are vital importance to create independence, purpose fullness and self-care.

Materials and methods

156 children/adolescents visit the division yearly.

Work structural for participation in bowel emptying.

Results

A handbook as support meant for children/adolescents, parents and other caregivers.

Conclusion

To early arouse awareness and with understandable individual structure facilitate the active participation towards independence.