Review article: the patients' experience with irritable bowel syndrome and their search for education and support

METHODS: The author looked at the impact of IBS with a review of the scientific evidence with the following aims: a) to study the effect of IBS on a patient's quality of life, health care utilization rates and the importance of education on their condition and associated treatments b) to characterize the influence of sociocultural factors, health care literacy and the role that education has in improving clinical outcomes and c) to make recommendations of how to effectively provide education to patients about their diagnosis and treatment options in order to improve symptoms and clinical outcomes.

Evidence supports the fact that interventions targeting patient-provider interactions in order to provide validated and evidence based education options can improve health outcomes, the patient and provider experience, and reduce costs. Effectively communicating the rationale of the brain-gut axis, as well as treatments such as the benefits of neuromodulators or behavioral health treatments can improve patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes.

The author concluded that effective patient education can improve the patient-provider relationship and health outcomes. The author also provides info-graphics and a listing of vetted, scientifically backed educational resources for patients to utilize for self management.