The Usefulness of the “Bowel Movement Pattern Classification Flowchart” in Clinical Settings

Abstract

　The purpose of this study was to verify that the “Bowel Movement Pattern Classification Flowchart”, which was developed by the authors (Katogi et al., 2020), is useful in clinical settings. This flowchart classifies bowel movement patterns using two-week bowel movement records. The indicators are the form of stool, frequency of defecation, and number of defecation days. Sixty-three defecation records were analyzed. These were collected from 52 voluntary outpatients and inpatients without acute symptoms. The records were classified into bowel movement patterns using the flowchart, and 50 voluntarily participating nurses also assessed defecation status by examining the records. Of the 27 cases in which the results of the two assessments differed, 22 (81.5%) cases showed that the flowchart provided a better reflection of the defecation situation than the assessment by the nurses, which suggests the flowchart’s usefulness. However, some issues remain in cases where stools were loose for an entire week and when laxatives were used. If these issues are addressed, this chart may be useful as a tool for assessing defecation status in clinical practice.