SRS77 - Group-based educational sessions on trans-anal irrigation: patient experience at a tertiary pelvic floor unit

Abstract Trans-anal irrigation (TAI) is safe and effective in managing defaecatory difficulties. Adequate knowledge, training, and patient support are important for compliance, however, drop-out rates are high. We initiated group-based educational sessions (GBE) to support patients and provide a safe environment to share their experiences of living with a bowel disorder and educate them on TAI as an option to manage their bowel symptoms. One-hour-long, GBE sessions have been carried out since 2008 and included talks delivered by a bowel specialist nurse and a dietician. This was followed by patient discussion, question and answer session, and showcasing all irrigation devices available on NHS prescription. Patients were asked to complete feedback questionnaire at the end of the session between April 2023 and May 2024. Between 2017 and 2024, 75 patients attended, with median age of 62 years. The majority were female (83%) and 77% were White British. The most common reason for attending was constipation (68%), followed by anal incontinence (25%). New product was tried by 59%. 41 patients completed the feedback questionnaire. Most patients found the session very useful (62.5%), easy to attend (87.8%), useful to attend with other people experiencing the same symptoms (92.5%), and better able to deal with their symptoms (75.6%). All said they would recommend the session to family and friends GBE on trans-anal irrigation provided practical support, knowledge, and a safe forum for patients living with bowel dysfunction. These sessions led to a high uptake of trying irrigation systems and received positive patient feedback.