What is ‘toiletting’? Mapping the use of toiletting and toiletting-related terms as a basis for bladder and bowel conversations: a literature scan

: Background and Objective The International Continence Society (ICS) notes “[the] precise use of agreed terminology ensures clear understanding for collaborating centres and readers of publications.” [1] The term toiletting is commonly used in academic, research, and clinical contexts, yet no consensus definition exists and the term does not feature in the ICS Glossary [2]. The aim of this study was to scan the published literature using the term “toiletting” and summarize the definitions used. Methods A broad search strategy was developed to find all papers on bladder and bowel toiletting in three health databases. The definitions of toiletting terms were extracted. The definitions were consolidated into themes and the most common definitions were identified. Key Findings and Limitations :73 papers were included which yielded 82 definitions. Toiletting was used as a stand-alone term by 29 papers, with three broad meanings; (1) a series of tasks before and after elimination (2) elimination (3) assisting another person’s elimination. Toiletting was used with other terms, including toiletting behaviours, assisted toiletting, independent toiletting, toiletting aid, and stool toiletting refusal. No consensus definition of “toiletting” exists in the current literature base, limiting the ability of researchers to accurately interpret existing research and plan future studies. Toiletting is used in combination with other terms to modify the meaning. There is a range of terms and meanings used with some agreement across researchers. Conclusions and Clinical Implications A consensus definition of toiletting and its associated terms should be established and used in academic research and clinical practice.