Referrals to a tertiary hospital: A window into clinical management issues in functional gastrointestinal disorders.

ABSTRACT: Background and Aim:To investigate the quality of and reasons for referrals of patients with likely functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) and explore patients' experience of clinical management. Methods:A cross sectional, mixed-methods study was undertaken. Referrals (July 2013-2015) to one gastroenterology outpatient department triaged as "likely FGID", the referred patients and their referring primary healthcare providers were examined. Results:A total of 69% of patients reported not yet receiving an initial diagnosis, 52% reported persistent/distressing symptoms or reduced quality of life, 24% feared missed or worsening pathology, and 35% were seeking repeat specialist consultation. Most patients were dissatisfied (40%) or only partially satisfied (36%) with current management. Dissatisfaction was significantly related to the lack of provision of a diagnosis and effective treatment options (P?

SUBMITTER: Linedale EC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6207011 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature