Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. 23 BOWEL TRAINING PROGRAM PURPOSE: Patients are instructed in a bowel training program, as appropriate, to improve bowel function, provide patient with dignity and comfort, and to prevent skin irritation and decubitus ulcers. RESPONSIBLE PERSONNEL: RN, LPN, HHA PROCEDURE: 1. Explain physician's order and bowel training program procedure to patient. 2. Encourage appropriate dietary intake, including fresh vegetables, fruits and bulk-producing foods following physician prescribed diet. 3. Encourage patient to exercise as tolerated if approved by MD. 4. Establish a regular time for patient’s bowel movement per normal bowel movement program. 5. Facilitate a relaxed environment and time during established period for patient’s bowel movement. 6. Give pericare, as appropriate. 7. Assess patient for: * amount of stool * frequency of bowel movement * urgency of bowel movement * awareness of bowel movement * reaction to incontinence DOCUMENTATION: Document bowel training program results, such as date and time of bowel movement; stool amount, color and consistency; patient's needs and outcome, etc. in the patient's clinical record. Notify physician of any abnormalities and record in clinical note. ____________________________________________________