Therapeutic value of a gastroenterology consultation in irritable bowel syndrome

Background: Functional patients comprise the largest group in gastroenterology practice. Pharmacological therapy of irritable bowel syndrome is disappointing. One treatment strategy for irritable bowel syndrome emphasizes the physician's role; the physician is promoted as the therapeutic modality. Aim: To determine the therapeutic value of the contemporary approach to irritable bowel syndrome by examining health care utilization and patient morbidity. Methods: We performed an observational study over 4 years using an administrative database and morbidity scales. Health care utilization was assessed for 2 years pre- and post-intervention. Patient morbidity was assessed at baseline and 1 and 2 years post-intervention. The participants included 70 irritable bowel syndrome patients referred by primary physicians. A structured consultation was performed, establishing a positive diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome and providing disease conceptualization. Results: Health care utilization for gastrointestinal diagnoses increased in the year prior to the intervention and declined immediately after to baseline; psychiatric and other visits remained unchanged for 4 years. Pain was reduced but other morbidity persisted. Conclusions: A consultation itself is a therapeutic intervention in irritable bowel syndrome with regard to its impact on societal economic burden. It is associated with a durable decrease in illness-specific health care utilization. It may not address all aspects of irritable bowel syndrome; multiple domains of morbidity demonstrated persistent distress.