Management of neurogenic bowel dysfunction in children & young people with SCI outside of SCI centres

This guideline recommends good practice in the management of neurogenic bowel dysfunction in childhood onset (0-18 years) spinal cord injury (SCI). Childhood onset SCI can be caused by a traumatic event or non-traumatic episode including but not limited to, infection, inflammation, vascular incident or malignancy.

The document should be used to assess and manage bowel care for children and young people with SCI in conjunction with current local guidelines and has been written in line with Skills for Health (SfH), National Occupational Standards (NOS) and the current RCN and MASCIP guidelines.

These management guidelines are based on clinical skills, knowledge and experience, as well as current research in SCI and recognised child SCI literature. It is intended to compliment other standards, competencies and learning resources for SCI. The guidelines are not a prescription to practice and do not cover the entire scope of MDT involvement. Further input should be sought from SCI Centre specialists upon referral.