Cleveland Clinic Children's Outcomes
Functional Constipation Shared Medical Appointment
Functional Constipation Shared Medical Appointment Pediatric Outcomes
The Functional Constipation Shared Medical Appointment (SMA), casually known as "Poop School," is an interdisciplinary group treatment program for pediatric encopresis (delayed toilet training for bowel movements) and functional constipation. Practitioners from the departments of Pediatric Behavioral Health, Pediatric Gastroenterology, and Child Life cooperate in treating children and their parents. The purpose of the Functional Constipation SMA is to address the medical, emotional and behavioral factors that impact children’s toileting difficulties. The program consists of 4 weekly appointments, plus follow-up appointments as needed. Parents and children are seen in separate groups to tailor the information provided. The treatment model was initiated after identification of a need to improve patient access and parent support for this condition.
Improvement in Bowel Movement Regimen after Initial 4-Week Program (N = 68)
2018 - 2019
Improvement in Bowel Movement Regimen after Long-Term Follow-Up (N = 41)
2017 - 2018
Patients continued to follow-up in the SMA for an average duration of 7 months, with a range of 1 to 15 months based on child and family needs.