What Do IBS Patients Want for Treatments?
A recent study in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine tried to gain a patient-perspective of treatment acceptability and identify patient’s attitudes towards those modalities considered not acceptable. The study found that tablets were the most acceptable treatment (84%), followed by dietary changes (82%) and yoga (77%) When explaining lack of acceptability, patient views fell into four broad categories: dislike treatment modality, do not perceive benefit, general barriers, and insufficient knowledge. Skepticism, lack of scientific rationale and fear of alternative medicine were mentioned, although others expressed a dislike of conventional medical treatments. Past experiences, age and health concerns, and need for proof of efficacy were reported. The study concluded that most patients were willing to accept various forms of treatment. However, the reservations expressed by this patient-population must be recognised with particular focus directed towards allaying fears and misco
