Perspectives on Specific Carbohydrate Diet Education from Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients and Caregivers: A Needs...

The specific carbohydrate diet (SCD) has potential health benefits for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); however, adherence is challenging. Through an online needs assessment survey, this study explored the perspectives of patients and caregivers using the SCD to manage IBD to determine barriers, knowledge gaps, and desired areas for further learning about the SCD. Inclusion criteria included patients with IBD or their caregivers who had experience with the SCD. Of the 208 participants, 87% of participants were female with a mean age of 46 years. Fifty-seven percent had never received SCD training before starting the diet. Participants favored more education on several topics within the SCD and identified one-on-one sessions as the preferred learning modality. Barriers identified were initial steep learning curve, time commitment, and a desire for more support from healthcare professionals. This needs assessment survey highlights the gaps in educational priorities for patients on the SCD.