The 2022 European Society of Coloproctology (ESCP) global snapshot audit of faecal incontinence: Study protocol

AIM: Faecal incontinence (FI) is a common problem, affecting about 9% of Western populations. However, only a few patients seek consultation and the number of such patients reaching hospital care is unknown. Current treatment pathways are poorly evidence based and are thought to vary greatly between different countries. This audit will study the incidence of patients presenting to coloproctologists with FI, current practice including diagnostics, conservative and surgical techniques across different units in Europe and worldwide. The aim is to explore the incidence of FI in patients attending colorectal surgical clinics, treatment choices and accessibility to diagnostic tools/advanced treatments across the international cohort. Outcomes to be measured include the volume of FI patients consulting clinical practice per surgeon, patient demographics, and diagnostics and intervention details.

METHOD: An international multicentre snapshot audit will be performed. During the study period all consecutive eligible patients will be included over an 8-week period between 9 January and 28 February. Data will be entered and saved in a Research Electronic Data Capture secured database. Moreover, two short physician and centre-level surveys will be filled for current practice evaluation. The results will be published in international journals and will be prepared in accordance with guidelines set by the STROBE (strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology) statement for observational studies.

DISCUSSION: This multicentre, global prospective audit will be delivered by consultant colorectal and general surgeons as well as trainees. The data obtained will lead to a better understanding of the incidence of FI and treatment and diagnostic possibilities. This snapshot audit will be hypothesis generating and inform areas that need future prospective study.