Introduction

Spinal cord injury can cause a complete or partial loss of voluntary bladder and bowel control. Complications associated with a neurogenic bladder include incontinence, urinary tract infection, urinary stones, renal impairment, skin breakdown and more. Some of the complications associated with bowel dysfunction after spinal cord injury include constipation, obstructive defecation, and faecal incontinence. The medical and social consequences of these conditions can significantly impact a person's social activities and quality of life.

Appropriate management of bladder and bowel dysfunction following spinal cord injury is, therefore, essential. However, there is no single approach to bladder and bowel care that works for everyone. An individualised bladder and bowel programme needs to be designed for each patient with spinal cord injury. This course explores the components of these bladder and bowel programmes.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course you will be able to:

• differentiate between the main features of spastic and flaccid bladder and bowel in individuals with spinal cord injury
• describe the main goals of bladder and bowel management for individuals with spinal cord injury and at least four management strategies for the neurogenic bladder and bowel
• recognise at least three complications associated with neurogenic bladder and bowel in individuals with spinal cord injury

Target audience

This course is aimed at rehabilitation professionals, students and assistants including but not limited to Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Rehabilitation Doctors, Rehabilitation Nurses, Prosthetists, Orthotists, Psychologists, Audiologists, Dietetics, Social Workers. Community Health Workers, Nurses or Medical Doctors interested in this subject are also invited to participate.

Practicalities

• Availability - this course is online and can be completed on your own schedule.
• Hours of Learning - No deadlines are applied to this course and it can be started and completed in your own time according to your personal schedule. We expect the required elements to take around 1.5-2 hours depending on your schedule and learning style. Additionally there are many optional resources provided and if you choose to review these the course could take longer to complete.
• Types of Activities - This course includes instructional and/or practical videos, reading activities, AI supported learning activities, reflection, evaluation forms, a quiz and additional resources.
• Certificates - At the end of the course, when you have completed all of the required elements, you will be able to download a certificate of completion and 1.6 Plus points will be added to your personalised learning dashboard.

Instructor financial and non-financial disclosures

Wendy Oelofse: No relevant relationships disclosed by instructor.

Accessibility and Non-Discrimination Policy

Physiopedia Plus is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible learning environment for all participants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, national origin, religion, sex, disability, military status, sexual orientation or age in any aspect of our continuing education services. We are dedicated to ensuring that all learners can fully participate in our programmes. Participants who require accommodations or have special needs are encouraged to contact us with details so that we can make all reasonable efforts to meet these requirements.