Complex Bowel Care

Course Overview

Complex Bowel Care is a practical, clinical skills program designed to provide disability and aged care workers with the confidence to support participants with chronic or complex bowel conditions. This course covers the fundamental principles of bowel health, management techniques, and privacy to ensure high-quality, person-centered care.

It focuses on both the physical and dignity-based aspects of bowel management, providing staff with the essential tools to prevent complications and support a participant’s comfort and independence.

What You’ll Learn

By completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the anatomy and physiology of the digestive and bowel systems.

• Identify common causes and signs of bowel dysfunction and constipation.

• Implement individualised Bowel Management Plans safely and hygienically.

• Use and maintain relevant equipment and medications for bowel support.

• Recognise and respond to clinical complications such as autonomic dysreflexia.

• Support the privacy, dignity, and psychological well-being of participants.

• Document bowel patterns accurately and identify when to escalate to clinical staff.

Designed For

• Personal Care Workers and Disability Support Workers.

• Enrolled Nurses seeking a skills refresher.

• Community health workers providing in-home support for complex needs.

• Facility managers ensuring staff compliance with health standards.

• Care coordinators responsible for the customization of individual bowel care protocols.