Purpose: To identify clinical situations in which the use of an indwelling bowel catheter* has provided advantages such as stool management, medication administration, cost avoidance, and infection control. The disadvantages of prior methods of care, including absorbent briefs and pads, and off-label devices will be contrasted with the innovation of using a proactive bowel management method.

Objectives: To describe a novel approach to bowel management in acutely ill, hospitalized adults. To describe the key steps of patient selection for use of this type of device, and the strategies to achieve maximal effectiveness.

Outcomes: The expected clinical outcomes of interest in this practice innovation include enhanced skin protection, reduced contamination of linens, invasive lines, and dressings; cost savings, and access for medication administration. The poster will provide examples to illustrate these outcomes.

*Zassi Bowel Management System, Hollister Incorporated, Libertyville, IL

The support of Hollister Incorporated for this project is gratefully acknowledged