Future Developments and New Technologies in the field of Faecal Incontinence: Scanning the Horizon Using Late-Stage Clinical Trial Registrations

In this paper, horizon scanning techniques were used to systematically identify health technologies related to faecal incontinence (FI) in active development using the NIHR Innovation Observatory’s ScanMedicine database. We found that most late-stage trials focused on bowel management strategies, followed by strategies related to bladder and bowel dysfunction. There was limited evidence found for new drugs in the development pipeline, however, some trials evaluated the effectiveness of existing repurposed drugs. More trials are needed to address the unmet need of those with FI, particularly identifying more effective containment options. An emphasis on education for self-management and the use of more effective existing treatment and management strategies would improve patient outcomes in the short term.