Poo Manager – Students and Clinicians Launch Game to Tackle Constipation Stigma

Photo: Cornwall College University Centre Games Design students develop “Poo Manager” game to destigmatise constipation

Cornwall College Students Develop Innovative Game to Destigmatise Constipation

A collaborative effort between students from Cornwall College University Centre and Professor Rohit Shankar MBE, FRCPsych, from the Cornwall Intellectual Disability Equality Research (CIDER) group has resulted in the creation of a groundbreaking game aimed at addressing constipation among individuals with intellectual disabilities.

A Significant Health Concern

Constipation is a significant and often poorly managed issue for people with intellectual disabilities, with approximately one-third experiencing chronic constipation during their lifetime. This condition, exacerbated by medications or other health issues, is linked to psychological distress, emergency admissions, and even premature mortality. Despite being treatable, constipation often goes unrecognised and unsupported due to ignorance and stigma.

Introducing “Poo Manager”

The new game, “Poo Manager,” aims to destigmatise constipation and enhance health understanding among those with intellectual disabilities. The project was a collaborative effort between the Games Design for Industry students at Cornwall College University Centre and various health and community groups, including Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Cornwall People First, CHAMPS from Cornwall Council, and other disability groups.

Launch Event Highlights

At the Camborne campus of The Cornwall College Group (TCCG), Professor Rohit Shankar, along with representatives from the NHS and community groups, joined lecturer Stephen Howard and the students for the official launch of “Poo Manager.” Attendees had the opportunity to provide valuable feedback, which will be instrumental in the game’s further development.

“We’re immensely thankful to all the students who’ve transformed our vision into a tangible reality,” said Rohit Shankar. “This game will serve as an invaluable tool for care professionals and families supporting people with intellectual disabilities prone to constipation. It’s fantastic to see such ambitious Games Design students at Cornwall College create something that will potentially save lives, and contribute greatly to society.”

Stephen Howard, Higher Education Programme Manager for Games Design, expressed his excitement about the students’ achievements and the positive reception of the game. “We’re absolutely ecstatic to receive such phenomenal feedback. The overwhelmingly positive reaction we have received has been truly remarkable, and the students are delighted to be making a difference in people’s lives.”

Future Plans

Following the successful launch, the next phase involves further developing “Poo Manager” and introducing it to care providers and the NHS. The goal is to ensure the game becomes a widely used educational tool, promoting health education and destigmatising constipation.

This achievement builds on previous collaborations between CIDER and TCCG Games Design for Industry students, who have created bespoke digital experiences tailored specifically for CIDER.

For more information about Games Design or similar creative opportunities at the top FE College for education and training in Cornwall, visit www.cornwall.ac.uk.