Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2440/116325
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Type: Journal article
Title: Performance of an algorithm-based approach to the diagnosis and management of functional gastrointestinal disorders: A pilot trial
Author: Linedale, E.
Mikocka-Walus, A.
Vincent, A.
Gibson, P.
Andrews, J.
Citation: Neurogastroenterology and Motility, 2018; 30(1):e13243-1-e13243-10
Publisher: Blackwell Publishing Inc.
Issue Date: 2018
ISSN: 1350-1925
1365-2982
Statement of
Responsibility: 
E. C. Linedale, A. Mikocka-Walus, A. D. Vincent, P. R. Gibson, J. M. Andrews
Abstract: Background: Recent advances in the development of diagnostic criteria and effective management options for functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) have not yet been integrated into clinical practice. There is a clear need for the development and validation of a simple clinical pathway for the diagnosis and management of FGIDs which can be used in primary care. Methods: In this controlled pilot study, we designed and evaluated a non-specialist dependent, algorithm-based approach for the diagnosis and management of FGIDs (ADAM-FGID). Patients referred to one tertiary referral centre with clinically suspected functional gastrointestinal disorders were allocated to waitlist control or algorithm group. The algorithm group was screened for organic disease, and those without clinical alarms received a written FGID diagnosis and management options. All participants were followed up for 1 year. Key Results: The ADAM-FGID was found to be feasible and acceptable to both patients and primary healthcare providers. The diagnostic component identified that 39% of referrals required more urgent gastroenterological review than original triage category, with organic disease subsequently diagnosed in 31% of these. The majority of patients (82%) diagnosed with a FGID did not receive a relevant alternative diagnosis during follow-up. Patient buy-in to the model was good, with all reading the diagnostic/management letter, 80% entering management, 61% reporting symptom improvement at 6 weeks. Moreover, 68% of patients, and all referring doctors found the approach to be at least moderately acceptable. Patients reported being reassured by the approach, and found the management options useful. Primary health care providers acknowledged the potential of this approach to reduce waiting times for endoscopic procedures and to provide reassurance to both patients and themselves.Conclusions & Inferences: This pilot study provides preliminary evidence to support a clinical pathway for the diagnosis and management of FGIDs which does not depend upon specialist review. Further rigorous testing within primary care is needed to conclusively establish safety and efficacy. However, this approach is safer than current management and has potential to build capacity by reducing specialist burden and expediting effective care.
Keywords: Humans
Gastrointestinal Diseases
Pilot Projects
Algorithms
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Middle Aged
Patient Satisfaction
Disease Management
Female
Male
Young Adult
Outcome Assessment, Health Care
Rights: © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
DOI: 10.1111/nmo.13243
Published version: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/nmo.13243
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