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Zarei D, Saghazadeh A, Rezaei N. Subtyping irritable bowel syndrome using cluster analysis: a systematic review. BMC Bioinformatics 2023; 24:478. [PMID: 38102564 PMCID: PMC10724977 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-023-05567-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder associated with a wide range of clinical symptoms. Some researchers have used cluster analysis (CA), a group of non-supervised learning methods that identifies homogenous clusters within different entities based on their similarity. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS This literature review aims to identify published articles that apply CA to IBS patients. We searched relevant keywords in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus. We reviewed studies in terms of the selected variables, participants' characteristics, data collection, methodology, number of clusters, clusters' profiles, and results. RESULTS Among the 14 articles focused on the heterogeneity of IBS, eight of them utilized K-means Cluster Analysis (K-means CA), four employed Hierarchical Cluster Analysis, and only two studies utilized Latent Class Analysis. Seven studies focused on clinical symptoms, while four articles examined anocolorectal functions. Two studies were centered around immunological findings, and only one study explored microbial composition. The number of clusters obtained ranged from two to seven, showing variation across the studies. Males exhibited lower symptom severity and fewer psychological findings. The association between symptom severity and rectal perception suggests that altered rectal perception serves as a biological indicator of IBS. Ultra-slow waves observed in IBS patients are linked to increased activity of the anal sphincter, higher anal pressure, dystonia, and dyschezia. CONCLUSION IBS has different subgroups based on different factors. Most IBS patients have low clinical severity, good QoL, high rectal sensitivity, delayed left colon transit time, increased systemic cytokines, and changes in microbial composition, including increased Firmicutes-associated taxa and depleted Bacteroidetes-related taxa. However, the number of clusters is inconsistent across studies due to the methodological heterogeneity. CA, a valuable non-supervised learning method, is sensitive to hyperparameters like the number of clusters and random initialization of cluster centers. The random nature of these parameters leads to diverse outcomes even with the same algorithm. This has implications for future research and practical applications, necessitating further studies to improve our understanding of IBS and develop personalized treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Zarei
- School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
- Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Expert Group (SRMEG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Amene Saghazadeh
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Dr. Qarib St, Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, 14194, Iran
- Integrated Science Association (ISA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Dr. Qarib St, Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, 14194, Iran.
- Integrated Science Association (ISA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Immunology and Biology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Sasegbon A, Luo Y, Keefer LA, Vasant DH. The consequences of limited training in disorders of gut-brain interaction: Results from a national survey of gastroenterology trainees in the United Kingdom. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2023; 35:e14649. [PMID: 37482914 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite their high prevalence and burden, disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) are undertaught and underrepresented in medical curricula. We evaluated the exposure of UK gastroenterology trainees to DGBI and their comfort managing these conditions. METHODS An electronic survey was distributed to trainees via UK training program directors. The survey included questions on stage of training; subspecialty interest; access to DGBI training opportunities, and comfort levels with DGBI diagnosis and management. Responses were compared between junior and senior trainees, by subspecialty interest (luminal and non-luminal), by geographical region, and training program size. KEY RESULTS One hundred twelve trainees from across the UK participated (21.4% of national training post holders). Exposure to DGBI lectures (32.8% junior vs. 73.3% senior trainees, p = 0.00003) and clinics (9.0% junior vs. 42.2% senior trainees, p = 0.00003), increased with seniority. Regardless of seniority, most trainees were rarely comfortable making a DGBI diagnosis (39.5% senior vs. 33.9% junior trainees, p = 0.69), and were not comfortable initiating neuromodulators (50% senior vs. 25.8% junior trainees, p = 0.08). Trainees without a luminal subspecialty interest (50%) accessed fewer DGBI clinics (p = 0.04), had less communication skills training (p = 0.04) and were less likely to have been observed during DGBI consultations (p = 0.002). Responses were similar across UK regions and did not differ between smaller and larger programs. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES DGBI training opportunities are limited in UK gastroenterology training across training grades. Most trainees lack confidence with DGBI diagnosis and management. Urgent interventions need to be targeted at all stages of training to ensure DGBI competencies for future gastroenterologists and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayodele Sasegbon
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastroenterology, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Yuying Luo
- The Henry D. Janowitz Division of Gastroenterology, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Laurie A Keefer
- The Henry D. Janowitz Division of Gastroenterology, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Dipesh H Vasant
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastroenterology, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Neurogastroenterology Unit, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
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Incongruent Views of Functioning between Patients and Gastroenterologists: A Mixed Methods Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 11:healthcare11010062. [PMID: 36611522 PMCID: PMC9818837 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11010062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal patients, especially those diagnosed with functional digestive disorders (FGIDs), usually present a complex clinical picture that poses a challenge for their management in primary care. The main objective of the current research was to examine the relationship of the congruence of the perception of severity and quality of life between gastroenterologists and their patients with psychological distress and the helping attitude experienced by the latter attended in primary care centres. Additionally, we wanted to explore patients' and practitioners' perceptions. We performed a cross-sectional study with a total of 2261 patients (1562 analysed) that attended three primary care centres. Patients completed questionnaires that measured physical functioning, distress, and perception of helping attitude. Gastroenterologists registered the functional status of each participating patient. Patients were then invited to take part in the qualitative part of the study if they were considered to have incongruent views on their functioning with their gastroenterologist. In total, 52 patients took part in one of eight focus groups. Additionally, four individual interviews were carried out with three gastroenterologists and one consultation-liaison psychiatrist specialised in FGIDs. Both incongruence and functional diagnosis correlated with distress. However, incongruent views between patients and gastroenterologists explained more variance. Statistically significant differences in patients' helping attitude perception were detected between diagnostic but no incongruence groups. In the second stage of the study, a total of five themes were identified from the patient focus groups and the gastroenterologist interviews: illness-emotional and personal problems, disease-health system interaction, health system, intervention, and patients. The current research allowed us to confirm that incongruence in the perception of severity and quality of life between gastroenterologists and patients is related to psychological distress and that this occurs in a multifactorial context where the characteristics of the disorder interact with those of the health system.
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Ballou S, Feingold JH. Stress, Resilience, and the Brain-Gut Axis: Why is Psychogastroenterology Important for all Digestive Disorders? Gastroenterol Clin North Am 2022; 51:697-709. [PMID: 36375990 DOI: 10.1016/j.gtc.2022.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
In this review article, we show that stress and resilience play an integral role in the brain-gut axis and are critical to symptom expression across all digestive disorders. The relationship between stress, coping, and resilience provides a mechanistic basis for brain-gut behavior therapies. Psychogastroenterology is the field best equipped to translate and mitigate these constructs as part of patient care across all digestive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Ballou
- Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Avenue, Dana 501, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
| | - Jordyn H Feingold
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1468 Madison Avenue, 4th floor, New York, NY 10128, USA. https://twitter.com/@Jordynfeingold
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Taft TH, Guadagnoli L, Carlson DA, Kou W, Keefer L, Pandolfino J. Validation of the Short-Form Esophageal Hypervigilance and Anxiety Scale. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 20:e64-e73. [PMID: 33348046 PMCID: PMC8275671 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2020.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Esophageal hypervigilance and anxiety are emerging as important drivers of dysphagia symptoms and reduced quality of life across esophageal diagnoses. The esophageal hypervigilance and anxiety scale (EHAS) is a validated measure of these cognitive-affective processes. However, its length may preclude it from use in clinical practice. We aimed to create a short form version of the EHAS using established psychometric practices. METHODS A retrospective review of a registry of patients who visited a university-based esophageal motility clinic for diagnostic testing was conducted. Patients were included if they completed the 15-item EHAS and questionnaires assessing dysphagia severity and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) at the time of motility testing. Principle components factor analysis identified items for possible removal. Tests for reliability and concurrent validity were performed on the full EHAS and short-form version (EHAS-7). RESULTS 3,976 adult patients with confirmed esophageal disease were included: 30% with achalasia or EGJOO, 13% with EoE, 13% with GERD, 39% normal motility. Eight items were removed from the scale based on a factor loading of > 0.70, resulting in a single scale 7-item EHAS-7 scored from 0 to 28. The EHAS-7 demonstrated excellent internal consistency (α = 0.91) and split-half reliability (0.88) as was found in the full EHAS in the current study and prior validation. Concurrent validity existed between the EHAS-7 and measures of dysphagia (r = 0.33) and HRQOL (r = -0.73, both P < .001). CONCLUSIONS The EHAS-7 is a 7-item scale to assess esophageal hypervigilance and symptom-specific anxiety that performs as well as the original 15-item version. Shorter questionnaires allow for implementation in clinical practice. The EHAS-7 is a useful tool for clinicians to quickly assess how hypervigilance and anxiety may be contributing to their patients' clinical presentations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany H. Taft
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
| | | | - Dustin A. Carlson
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Walter Kou
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Laurie Keefer
- Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine, New York, NY USA
| | - John Pandolfino
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
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Relevancia y necesidades del Síndrome del Intestino Irritable (SII): comparación con la Enfermedad Inflamatoria Intestinal (EII).(Por favor, si no te interesa el SII léelo). GASTROENTEROLOGIA Y HEPATOLOGIA 2022; 45:789-798. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gastrohep.2021.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
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Drossman DA, Chang L, Deutsch JK, Ford AC, Halpert A, Kroenke K, Nurko S, Ruddy J, Snyder J, Sperber A. A Review of the Evidence and Recommendations on Communication Skills and the Patient-Provider Relationship: A Rome Foundation Working Team Report. Gastroenterology 2021; 161:1670-1688.e7. [PMID: 34331912 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2021.07.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Over several decades, changes in health care have negatively impacted meaningful communication between the patient and provider and adversely affected their relationship. Under increasing time pressure, physicians rely more on technology than face-to-face time gathering data to make clinical decisions. As a result, they find it more challenging to understand the illness context and fully address patient needs. Patients experience dissatisfaction and a diminution of their role in the care process. For patients with disorders of gut-brain interaction, stigma leads to greater care dissatisfaction, as there is no apparent structural basis to legitimize the symptoms. Recent evidence suggests that practical communication skills can improve the patient-provider relationship (PPR) and clinical outcomes, but these data are limited. METHODS The Rome Foundation convened a multidisciplinary working team to review the scientific evidence with the following aims: a) to study the effect of communication skills on patient satisfaction and outcomes by performing an evidence-based review; b) to characterize the influence of sociocultural factors, health care system constraints, patient perspective, and telehealth on the PPR; c) to review the measurement and impact of communication skills training on these outcomes; and d) to make recommendations to improve communication skills training and the PPR. RESULTS Evidence supports the fact that interventions targeting patient-provider interactions improve population health, patient and provider experience, and costs. Communication skills training leads to improved patient satisfaction and outcomes. The following are relevant factors to consider in establishing an effective PPR: addressing health care system constraints; incorporating sociocultural factors and the role of gender, age, and chronic illness; and considering the changing role of telehealth on the PPR. CONCLUSIONS We concluded that effective communication skills can improve the PPR and health outcomes. This is an achievable goal through training and system change. More research is needed to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas A Drossman
- Center for Functional Gastrointestinal and Motility Disorders, University of North Carolina, Center for Education and Practice of Biopsychosocial Care, Drossman Gastroenterology, and the Rome Foundation, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
| | - Lin Chang
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, G. Opopenbhemer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, Calfornia
| | - Jill K Deutsch
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Alexander C Ford
- Leeds Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK; Leeds Gastroenterology Institute, St. James's University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Albena Halpert
- Gastroenterology,Harvard University Health Services, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kurt Kroenke
- Regenstrief Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Samuel Nurko
- Center for Motility and Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Johannah Ruddy
- Center for Education and Practice of Biopsychosocial Care and Rome Foundation, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Julie Snyder
- Gastrointetinal Psychology Service, Boston University, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ami Sperber
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
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Simon E, Călinoiu LF, Mitrea L, Vodnar DC. Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Synbiotics: Implications and Beneficial Effects against Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13062112. [PMID: 34203002 PMCID: PMC8233736 DOI: 10.3390/nu13062112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is still a common functional gastrointestinal disease that presents chronic abdominal symptoms but with a pathophysiology that is not yet fully elucidated. Moreover, the use of the synergistic combination of prebiotics and probiotics, known as synbiotics, for IBS therapy is still in the early stages. Advancements in technology led to determining the important role played by probiotics in IBS, whereas the present paper focuses on the detailed review of the various pathophysiologic mechanisms of action of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics via multidisciplinary domains involving the gastroenterology (microbiota modulation, alteration of gut barrier function, visceral hypersensitivity, and gastrointestinal dysmotility) immunology (intestinal immunological modulation), and neurology (microbiota–gut–brain axis communication and co-morbidities) in mitigating the symptoms of IBS. In addition, this review synthesizes literature about the mechanisms involved in the beneficial effects of prebiotics and synbiotics for patients with IBS, discussing clinical studies testing the efficiency and outcomes of synbiotics used as therapy for IBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elemer Simon
- Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Calea Mănăştur 3–5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (E.S.); (L.F.C.)
| | - Lavinia Florina Călinoiu
- Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Calea Mănăştur 3–5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (E.S.); (L.F.C.)
- Institute of Life Sciences, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Calea Mănăştur 3–5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Laura Mitrea
- Institute of Life Sciences, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Calea Mănăştur 3–5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Dan Cristian Vodnar
- Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Calea Mănăştur 3–5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (E.S.); (L.F.C.)
- Institute of Life Sciences, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Calea Mănăştur 3–5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +40-747-341-881
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Feingold JH, Drossman DA, Chey W, Kurlander JE, Morris CB, Bangdiwala S, Keefer L. Preliminary development and validation of the Patient-Physician Relationship Scale for physicians for disorders of gut-brain interaction. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2021; 33:e13976. [PMID: 32875659 PMCID: PMC8065374 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.13976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An effective patient-physician relationship (PPR) is essential to the care of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). After developing a PPR questionnaire for patients, we sought to develop and validate an IBS-specific instrument to measure physician expectations of the PPR. METHODS We conducted focus groups about PPRs among 15 clinicians who treat patients with IBS from community and academic centers. Qualitative analysis was used to generate the Patient-Physician Relationship Scale -Physician RESULTS: The PPRS-Physician contained 35 questions pertaining to interpersonal and psychosocial features considered desirable or undesirable in a relationship with IBS patients. 1113 physicians (22%) completed the survey. Physicians were predominantly middle-aged (mean = 55.1 years), male (85.0%), white (74.5%), and practiced primarily within group settings (61.6%), with an average of 25.7% of their patients having IBS. Factor analysis revealed three relevant factors: interfering attributes, positive attributes, and personal connection. The scale ranged from possible 0 to 100 (mean = 83.8; SD = 8.38). Cronbach's alpha reliability measure of the scale was 0.938, indicating high internal consistency. There was a significant moderate, positive correlation between JSPE and the PPRS (P < 0.001, r = 0.488), establishing concurrent validity. CONCLUSIONS We describe the development and validation of the first questionnaire to measure physician expectations of the PPR. This instrument can be used clinically, and for future studies on physician communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordyn H. Feingold
- Department of Gastroenterology, Icahn School of Medicine at
Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Douglas A. Drossman
- Center for Education and Practice of Biopsychosocial Care,
UNC Center for Functional GI and Motility Disorders and Drossman Gastroenterology,
Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - William Chey
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan
School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jacob E. Kurlander
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan
School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Carolyn B. Morris
- Center for Education and Practice of Biopsychosocial Care,
UNC Center for Functional GI and Motility Disorders and Drossman Gastroenterology,
Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Shrikant Bangdiwala
- Department of Biostatistics, Gillings School of Global
Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Laurie Keefer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Icahn School of Medicine at
Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Patient-Provider Interaction and Patient Education. J Clin Med 2018; 7:jcm7010003. [PMID: 29301273 PMCID: PMC5791011 DOI: 10.3390/jcm7010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Revised: 12/10/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Patient-Provider (P-P) relationship is the foundation of medical practice. The quality of this relationship is essential, particularly for the management of chronic illness such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), since it correlates with disease improvement. A significant aspect of fostering the P-P relationship is providing effective patient-centered education about IBS. An effective education empowers the patients to achieve the main therapeutic goals: to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Method: A literature search of PubMed was conducted using the terms “Irritable Bowel syndrome”, “Patient Physician Relationship”, “Patient Provider Relationship”, and “Patient Physician interaction”. Preference was given to articles with a clearly defined methodology and those with control groups if applicable/appropriate. This article provides a review of the literature on Patient-Provider interaction and patient education as it relates to IBS and provides practical recommendations on how to optimize this important relationship.
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