'The Poop it Kit'; addressing a real world problem through research and innovation

Abstract

Introduction/background: Constipation affects up to 30% of children in Australia and the western world. Children need an understanding of healthy bowel functioning. Nurses play an important role in the delivery of health education and to address a target audience of children means being innovative. ‘The Poop it Kit’ is one such strategy. Aim/objectives: This study aimed to create, implement and evaluate an innovative educational tool kit for children relating to healthy bowel functioning. Methods Undergraduate nursing students and parents/ caregivers were recruited to provide feedback about their experience with ‘The Poop it Kit’. This qualitative data would then be analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Results: Key themes surrounding the design, innovation and end user response would serve as valuable findings necessary for the enhancement and wider dissemination of the ‘Poop it Kit’. Discussion In 2019 a team of nursing academics together with undergraduate nursing students designed and implemented ‘The Poop it Kit’. This resource, aimed at children from 4- 8 years of age, would include fun and innovative activities that would allow children to become interested in their own healthy bowel functioning. In the process, undergraduate nursing students would learn about health promotion and gain an understanding of ways to address and engage children. Conclusions: Academics and nursing students came together with a research project that would encompass innovation, creativity and collaboration. The ‘Poop it Kit’ would result in a deliverable product that upon dissemination would prove to have real impact