Using therapeutic groups to support women with faecal incontinence

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Psychology
• Women's Health

Background:

• Fecal incontinence (FI) significantly impacts women's quality of life.
• Current management strategies may not fully address the psychological burden of FI.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the implementation and effectiveness of facilitated patient groups for women with FI.
• To explore the themes and outcomes of psychoeducational and psychotherapy groups.

Main Methods:

• Facilitated patient groups were utilized for FI management.
• Two group types were employed: psychoeducational and psychotherapy.
• Qualitative themes and quantitative outcomes were assessed.

Main Results:

• The study details themes emerging from group discussions.
• Facilitated groups demonstrated effectiveness in improving psychological functioning.
• Improvements in physical functioning were also observed.

Conclusions:

• Facilitated patient groups are a viable approach for managing FI in women.
• These groups offer benefits for both mental and physical well-being.
• Further investigation into group therapy for FI is recommended.