How adult patients with IBD access nutritional information
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigation into how adult patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease obtain nutritional information, the impact of information and their preferences for obtaining nutritional information across the disease journey.
IRAS ID
231315
Contact name
Katie Peck
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 11 days
Research summary
This qualitative research aims to explore how patients access information about nutrition when suffering with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's disease). Specifically it aims to explore how nutritional information is gained and the impact it has across the patient journey.
IBD is chronic inflammatory gastrointestinal disease, characterised by periods of activity and remission across the disease course. Symptoms can be both physically and mentally debilitating and those with IBD often alter their diet due to perceived impact on symptoms. Patients with IBD are at a greater risk of malnutrition and have higher nutritional requirements during active disease and after surgery. Food and nutrition are an integral part of a person's well being and perceived difficulties with food can impact on social interactions. Those with IBD often report that decisions about food, particularly in social situations outside of the house, are influenced by symptoms. Despite this there is little evidence that diet directly influences IBD outcomes. Patients may impose dietary restrictions or alter their diet on the advice of those around them.
There is little research to identify where those with IBD access information on nutrition across their patient journey, and the importance that they place on this information. The researcher will use semi-structured interviews to construct case studies for analysis and so identify where participants access nutritional information, how important this is for them and the perceived impact that the information has on their eating habits.
The researcher works as a dietitian with adult IBD patients and from practice experience is aware that many patients have access to a multiple sources of nutritional information which may influence dietary choices.The findings of this study will form an in depth understanding of what patients attending IBD clinic require from nutritional information and will help shape practice in the future.
REC name
Wales REC 6
REC reference
17/WA/0323
Date of REC Opinion
3 Oct 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion