Using faecal collectors to reduce wound contamination

Faecal incontinence is a potentially complex patient issue that poses a real challenge to healthcare professionals and requires careful and effective assessment and prevention strategies to protect the viability of the skin. This paper explores preliminary results of an observational study undertaken by the authors in an intensive therapy unit. Data highlighted that faecal incontinence can damage the skin’s integrity, leading to skin breakdown and possible wound contamination, giving rise to major healthcare costs. To prevent this, faecal collection systems can be used as an effective early intervention. The study mentioned in this article, identified that clinical staff associated a high skin risk assessment score with the need to use a faecal collection device.