Dietetic and psychological support for coeliac disease
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Designing Integrated Dietetic and Psychological NHS Pathways for Adults Living with Coeliac Disease
IRAS ID
336623
Contact name
Rose-Marie Satherley
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
Coeliac disease (CD) is medical condition, where the body attacks its own tissues when gluten is eaten. If left untreated, CD increases risks for weak bones, cancer, and difficulties having children. There is no cure for CD; instead, CD is managed by behaviour change – patients need to follow a strict gluten-free diet (GFD). Whilst this change is essential, the shift to a GFD can be difficult with only 70% of patients being able to do so successfully. Furthermore, managing a strict GFD can be isolating, and there can be heightened anxiety around food, particularly when eating outside the home. In fact, compared to the general population, people with CD have higher rates of anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. So, for patients with CD to live well, both dietetics (e.g., knowledge around food, reading food labels) and psychology (e.g., coping strategies, motivation) have much to offer. However, dietetic support for CD is variable across the UK, and very few services provide any psychological support.
Aim: To support adults with CD to manage their GFD, wellbeing and quality-of-life, this work explores new ways of delivering routine care, by joining up dietetic and psychological approaches.
Approach: Our researchers will work closely with 20 patients with CD, and 15 healthcare professionals to develop a new way of delivering healthcare. During group workshops, we will explore the types of support available in clinical practice, what works and what doesn’t work, perceptions on joined-up dietetic and psychological approaches, and what dietetic and psychological intervention content is required. This information will be used to develop the new way of working that joins up both dietetic and psychological approaches.
REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 1
REC reference
24/ES/0016
Date of REC Opinion
28 Feb 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion