Irritable bowel syndrome Digestive System Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Conditions
Interventions
1. Provision of self-help guidebook
2. Provision of self-help guidebook plus invitation to attend one self-help group meeting
3. Treatment as usual, plus guidebook at the end of the study
Sponsors
NHS R&D Regional Programme Register - Department of Health (UK)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: 1. A working diagnosis of IBS as the reason for the consultation 2. At least one other visit with IBS symptoms in the preceding year 3. IBS diagnosed by GP (or hospital if patient has been seen by specialist) but not necessarily fulfilling 'Rome' criteria 4. Able to read and understand English
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: 1. Patients under the age of 18 2. Patients with significant learning difficulty or dementia who, in the opinion of the GP, would be unable to practice self-care
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| To test the impact of two self-help interventions (a comprehensive self-help guidebook and a self-help group) on primary care consultation rates and global IBS symptom severity in patients with functional bowel disease | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| To evaluate attendant changes in a range of other health outcomes, including use of secondary care, self-care, general health and quality of life. | — |
Countries
United Kingdom
Outcome results
None listed