Metrics Used to Quantify Fecal Incontinence and Constipation

Abstract

While fecal incontinence and constipation can be measured through physiological testing, the subjective experience of severity and impact on health-related quality of life lead to both being most effectively captured through patient-reported measures. Patient-reported measures of severity and impact help to determine baseline symptoms, guide clinical decision making, and compare various treatments. Here, we take pause to review the psychometric qualities that make effective instruments, and discuss some of the most commonly used instruments along with the reasons behind their use. In addition, we highlight the benefits of a standardized instrument designed to evaluate the major symptoms of patients presenting with pelvic floor disorders (including fecal incontinence and constipation). Ultimately, we aim to provide guidance in choosing appropriate instruments for clinical and research use.

Keywords: constipation metrics; fecal incontinence metrics; patient-reported outcomes; severity measures.

Fig. 1

IMPACT (Initial Measurement of Patient-Reported Pelvic Floor Complaints Tool) bowel function, short form. (Reprinted with permission from Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.: Bordeianou LG, Anger JT, Boutros M, et al. Measuring Pelvic Floor Disorder Symptoms Using Patient-Reported Instruments: Proceedings of the Consensus Meeting of the Pelvic Floor Consortium of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, the International Continence Society, the American Urogynecologic Society, and the Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine and Urogenital Reconstruction. Dis Colon Rectum 2020;63(1):15–17 ( https://journals.lww.com/dcrjournal ).)