The Profile of Toileting Issues (POTI) is a paper-based checklist scale that is completed by clinicians with the individual’s primary caregiver serving as the informant. There are 56 items on the POTI representing 4 theoretically-derived factors. These factors include: 1) toileting, 2) accidents, 3) social/emotional problems, and 4) physical problems. Respondents are asked to rate each question as either “no problem present” (0), “problem present” (1), or “does not apply” (X). Scoring is completed by summing the responses (i.e., 0 or 1) for each POTI item. A higher total score is more indicative of a significant toileting problem. Interpretation of the results should only be made by a trained professional. The target population for the POTI is individuals with ID between the ages of 4 years through adulthood who are suspected of having a diagnosis of enuresis or encopresis based on chronological age criteria.

References:

Matson, J. L., Neal, D., Hess, J. A., & Kozlowski, A. M. (in press). Assessment of toileting difficulties in adults with intellectual disabilities: An examination using the profile of toileting issues (POTI). Research in Developmental Disabilities.

Matson, J. L., Horovitz, M., & Sipes, M. (2010). Characteristics of individuals with toileting problems and intellectual disability. Manuscript submitted for publication.