A dietitian led low FODMAP diet webinar: A pre‐post study evaluating the impact on symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>Evidence suggests that the low FODMAP diet (Fermentable Oligo‐, Di‐, Mono‐saccharides, And Polyols) improves Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms when delivered by a dietitian. However, demand for dietetic appointments exceeds supply. Pre‐recorded webinars are acceptable and cost‐effective for delivering first‐line IBS dietary advice. This study, using a pre‐post design, aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a low FODMAP diet restriction phase webinar at improving IBS symptoms. Participants with self‐reported IBS symptoms were asked to report their IBS symptoms, stool frequency, stool consistency, and IBS medication use, before and 8‐weeks post‐webinar via an online questionnaire. The presence and severity of participants' symptoms and bowel habits were captured using validated tools and a global symptom question. In total 228 participants responded to both pre and post surveys. A statistically significant improvement in all symptoms was observed 8‐weeks post‐webinar (p&lt;0.05). The proportion of participants rating their overall symptoms as moderate‐to‐severe reduced from 85.5% at baseline to 34.6% post webinar (50.9% reduction, (p&lt;0.001)). The proportion of participants reporting normal stool consistency and frequency significantly increased post webinar (23.2% to 39.9%, (p&lt;0.001) and 76.3% to 89% (p&lt;0.001) respectively)). Satisfactory relief of symptoms increased from 16.7% to 53.1%, (p&lt;0.001) 8‐weeks post‐webinar. These results are comparable with literature on the efficacy of face‐to‐face delivery of low FODMAP diet education. Dietitians should consider directing triaged patients with IBS, who have tried first‐line dietary advice, to this webinar as an alternative or alongside current practice.</jats:p><jats:p>This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.</jats:p>