New report reveals irritable bowel syndrome not always taken seriously by physicians

A recent report has found that almost 70 percent of patients will live with their irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms for up to a year before seeking medical help. Even then, Canadians can wait up to four years to receive a diagnosis.

WHAT IS IBS?

IBS is a chronic functional bowel disease that affects four to six million Canadians. It is characterized by symptoms of abdominal pain and/or discomfort associated with altered bowel habits, in the absence of a structural or organic cause.

It is the most common condition diagnosed by gastroenterologists and is one of the most common conditions seen by primary care physicians. Although the exact cause of IBS is not known, symptoms are thought to result from a disturbance in the way the gastrointestinal tract and nervous system interact.

IBS IN CANADA: THE STATS

The report, titled: “IBS Global Impact Report: Uncovering the true burden of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) on people’s lives” explored the impact of IBS on daily life, the stigma and psychological challenges associated with it, the patient journey and emerging clinical best practices.

Some key findings:

• 32% of survey respondents agreed that ‘healthcare professionals do not take IBS seriously’
• On average it can take up to four years to receive an IBS diagnosis and 67 percent of patients will experience symptoms for up to a year before seeking help
• 46% of Canadians living with IBS reported missing school or work due to their symptoms
• 32% of Canadian patients with IBS either ‘always’, or ‘often’ experience limitations to their social activities in an average month
• 47% of Canadians with IBS report they spend more than $150 per month on their IBS treatments
• As many as 26% of Canadian IBS patients admit they can only afford some of the IBS treatments prescribed to them, while 16% say they cannot afford their medications at all16
• 25% of survey respondents agreed that their HCP should spend more time on educating ‘me’ about my IBS.

“Throughout my career, I have seen first-hand the impact that this condition can have on a patient’s ability to maintain a good quality of life. IBS has the potential to affect every aspect of one’s life, including personal, work, financial, and overall well-being,” said Gail Attara, chief executive officer, Gastrointestinal Society, and report steering committee member.

“Findings from the IBS Global Impact report shine a much-needed light on the gravity of irritable bowel syndrome and demonstrates the need for a fundamental shift in how we treat and support Canadians who are living with IBS.”

Led by a committee of international experts from gastroenterology and patient advocacy, the report draws upon international patient testimonies, patient surveys and published literature.

In addition to highlighting the hidden impact of IBS, the report also sets out a series of recommendations to bring about positive change for people with IBS, focusing on these key areas:

• Improving communication with people with IBS
• Driving early diagnosis of IBS
• Developing simple, pragmatic guidance for IBS management

Together with a framework of patient rights that form the basis of a patient charter, the recommendations provide a roadmap to achieving the committee’s vision: for the universal management and care of those with IBS to be consistent and effective.

Underpinning the recommendations, the report highlights key areas of emerging best practice and points to practical tools to support improved management of IBS. It recommends the use of Drossman’s 15-point plan for effective patient and physician communication and a recently published simplified algorithm to guide early, positive diagnosis of IBS and to drive effective management approaches, tailored to individuals’ symptoms and needs.

“The development of forward-looking recommendations stemming from the IBS Global Impact report is welcome news for the millions of Canadians living with IBS,” said Dr. James Gray, gastroenterologist, faculty of medicine at the University of British Columbia.

“It’s important the medical community recognizes the widespread impacts this condition can have on our patients. I am hopeful that through the implementation of a patient charter we will improve how we identify, treat and manage this condition.”