Illness appraisals in non-specific abdominal pain.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Are illness appraisals a predictor of psychological morbidity in adults with non-specific abdominal pain?
IRAS ID
212329
Contact name
Fiona French
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Research & Enterprise Division
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 21 days
Research summary
Are illness appraisals a predictor for psychological distress in adults with non-specific abdominal pain?\n\nIn England there are over 300,000 emergency admissions for acute abdominal pain. Non-specific abdominal pain (NSAP) accounts for 13-40% of these surgical admissions (NSAP is acute abdominal pain of less than seven days duration where no diagnosis is reached after hospital investigations). Emergency departments are however not an ideal setting to treat individuals with unexplained symptoms such as NSAP and these individuals can repeatedly attend A&E using substantial time and resources. It has been estimated that NSAP costs the economy in excess of £100 million per annum however little is known about how to assess and treat individuals with this condition.\n\nPrevious research from other health conditions has highlighted how our thoughts and feelings about our illness can affect how we manage it (illness appraisals). Studies have shown that by altering illness appraisals, this can have a positive impact on an individual’s psychological distress, quality of life and pain. However, little research has been undertaken to assess this within NSAP. Understanding how to help patients with NSAP could lessen the strain on emergency departments, as well as appropriately supporting individuals in their own care and well-being. \n\nThis research will look to understand the differences in illness appraisals between patients with NSAP, patients with a diagnosed stomach disorder and patients from a general patient population. It will then look to see if illness appraisals are linked to psychological distress, quality of life and pain. A number of questionnaires will be distributed that will test for psychological distress, quality of life, illness appraisals and pain ratings. Patients will be given the questionnaires whilst attending Leicester Royal Infirmary. They will take approximately 45 minutes to complete. \n
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/NW/0064
Date of REC Opinion
27 Jan 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion