Faecal incontinence (FI) is the involuntary passage of faecal material through the anal canal. The prevalence of FI is thought to range from 2-17% in community dwelling individuals and is strongly correlated with age. The prevalence of FI amongst people aged over 65 years and living in care homes is 40%, of which 2.3% of individuals present with ‘major incontinence’ (regular soiling of bedding, clothes and furnishing).
Incontinence has a severe impact on quality of life and can impact individuals profoundly across a broad range of issues from health and social through to financial.
Cochrane Incontinence aims to prepare and maintain systematic reviews of the effectiveness of interventions for incontinence. The focus of Cochrane Incontinence’s reviews are interventions designed to prevent, treat or manage incontinence and other related conditions. As part of this work, Cochrane Incontinence have commissioned a project to identify the key priorities and questions for future reviews to address within the field of FI. Developing a shared agenda, between clinicians, patients and carers will provide a fundamental step to ensure future research has the necessary relevance.