Improving Medical Student’s Knowledge and Understanding of Fecal Incontinence

Introduction. Knowledge of fecal incontinence (FI) in medical professionals is poor. Undergraduate education is limited despite its relevance to many specialties. Our aim was to review undergraduate curriculum requirements for FI across the UK and evaluate the impact of a teaching tool on medical student knowledge. Methods. Governing bodies and medical school curricula were identified and searched for FI knowledge requirements. A questionnaire was developed to assess undergraduate exposure to FI teaching. This information was consolidated with a discussion group involving medical students and used to develop an e-learning module. Intervention was performed by trialing the module in a group of medical students and evaluated with feedback. Results. There is a considerable absence of undergraduate learning requirements for FI. Only 19% of medical students had received teaching on the subject despite there being a demand for more coverage (43%). A group discussion guided the development of an e-learning module. Introduction of this significantly improved medical students understanding in all aspects of diagnosis and management of FI. Conclusions. There is a shortfall in the undergraduate curriculum requirements for this common and debilitating problem. An e-learning module can enhance knowledge and understanding in medical students to improve patient care and management.