Diarrhoea: assessment and management 

This course explores how to assess and create a patient-centred plan that focuses on dignity and safety to minimise the impact of diarrhoea and reduce the risk of infection spreading. Through realistic clinical scenarios and practical guidance, it supports health professionals to deliver compassionate care, manage symptoms effectively, and understand the key principles of infection prevention and patient safety.

  • 2 hours

    Estimated learning time

  • Case studies

    Practice-based scenarios

  • Certificate

    Awarded on completion

  • Pre & post questions

    Track your learning

Learning objectives


After studying this course you should be able to:

  • Define diarrhoea 
  • List the common causes of diarrhoea 
  • Describe the function of the normal bowel in relation to digestion 
  • Identify the role of assessment in identifying the causes of diarrhoea 
  • Discuss the implications of medication on the risk of developing diarrhoea 
  • Develop a person-centred care plan for a patient with diarrhoea 
The discussion areas within each course provide an opportunity to reflect on the content, share experiences from practice, and learn from other health professionals. Taking part in discussions can help support participatory learning as part of your CPD activity.

Course author

Helen Crombie, head of assurance and delivery, NHS England (Lancashire), and Veronica Hall, consultant nurse gastroenterology, Royal Bolton Hospital Trust, and honorary lecturer, University of Salford. Updated by Ann Yates, director of continence services at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.

All Nursing Times courses are written by expert nurses and double-blind peer reviewed.

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Last updated 2022
Disclaimer
Healthcare knowledge is constantly changing and we have taken reasonable care to ensure that the content included in this is accurate and up to date at the time it was created. Nursing Times courses are provided for general reference and learning purposes only: they cannot of course take account of individual circumstances and should not therefore be relied upon on their own in connection with administering medicines or providing treatment. We strongly advise users to confirm that the information provided, especially with regard to drug usage, complies with all current legislation and standards of practice. By proceeding to access this course you confirm your acceptance of, and agreement to, these terms.