Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional bowel disorder that affects many Canadians. The syndrome involves abdominal pain and change in frequency or form of bowel movements, and these symptoms can lead to a decreased quality of life for patients. Primary care physicians are dissatisfied with current referral processes, and patients may wait a long time to receive the correct diagnosis. Diet is known to exacerbate symptoms of IBS. In Canada, accessing dietary treatment for IBS is a challenge due to lack of resources. Some patients lack access to dietary interventions, and others are given advice that is not evidenced based. Use of eHealth technology, such as virtual education delivered by a dietician, may allow for more widespread access to dietary interventions for IBS. Virtual education can include one on one dietary education, online group-based education, and the use of apps. Currently, there is a gap in knowledge whether dietary intervention for IBS, delivered virtually by a dietician, is effective in treating IBS.
Recurrent abdominal pain on average at least 1 day/ week in the last 3 months associated with two or more of the following criteria: related to defecation, or association with a change in frequency of stool or associated with a change in form (appearance) of stool
Willingness to change diet
Access to a device for accessing virtual dietary education
New onset symptoms within past year in age 50 and above
Rectal bleeding
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Unexplained recent weight loss
Parallel
virtually administered dietitian consults for IBS patients.
Other interventionParticipants will receive virtual one on one consults with a dietitian who has training in the dietary management of IBS.
IBS Group Online Session
Other interventionIBS online group session run by Happy Bellies Nutrition
IBS Symptom Severity
IBS Symptom Severity as measured by the "IBS Symptom Severity Score". Minimum: 75, Maximum: \>300. Mild, moderate and severe cases are indicated by scores of 75 to 175, 175 to 300 and \> 300 respectively.
IBS Symptom Severity
IBS Symptom Severity as measured by the "IBS Symptom Severity Score". Minimum: 75, Maximum: \>300. Mild, moderate and severe cases are indicated by scores of 75 to 175, 175 to 300 and \> 300 respectively.
IBS Specific Quality of Life
IBS Specific Quality of Life as measured by the "IBS Quality of Life Questionnaire". Minimum: 0, Maximum: 100. Higher scores indicating better IBS specific quality of life.
IBS Specific Quality of Life
IBS Specific Quality of Life as measured by the "IBS Quality of Life Questionnaire". Minimum: 0, Maximum: 100. Higher scores indicating better IBS specific quality of life.
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Nova Scotia Health Authority
Lead sponsor
Research Nova Scotia
Collaborator
