PERSPECTIVE Version 4.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A questionnaire survey to explore the patient perspective of functional bowel disorders (irritable bowel syndrome / constipation / diarrhoea / faecal incontinence / evacuatory dysfunction): effects on lifestyle, experience of transanal irrigation and effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
IRAS ID
296856
Contact name
Yan Yiannakou
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
County Durham and Darlington NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Functional bowel disorders are common gastrointestinal (digestive) conditions. They include constipation (stools become harder and less often), diarrhoea (stools become looser and more frequent) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is accompanied by abdominal pain and bloating. Also evacuatory dysfunction and faecal incontinence.
Bowel conditions remain a taboo subject and a hidden disability. Our patients describe a life structured around toilets, a sense of ‘loss of control’, time off work because of symptoms and lives dominated by “laxative days” at home.
Clinical experience suggests that all types of functional bowel disorders impact on quality of life and ability to work. This study will examine the impact of these disorders.A small number of people with functional bowel disorders use a treatment called transanal irrigation to manage their symptoms. It can be an effective treatment, but not for everyone and sometimes patients stop using it. We want to learn more about how effective this treatment is in the long term and why patients stop using it.
These findings may positively influence clinical practice through managing patients’ expectations about effectiveness of treatment and also encourage patients to seek help sooner if treatment becomes less effective.
Also, the impact of the pandemic on functional bowel disorders will be explored. Anecdotally, some patients have benefited from being at home more during lock-down. Easier access to toilet facilities has reduced anxiety. Home working has allowed more flexibility with routines. Increased awareness of factors affecting bowel habits can help patients develop better coping strategies.
Potential participants will be recruited by email, from ContactMe-IBS – a dedicated National IBS registry and our service database of transanal irrigation users. Participation will involve completion of a single on line questionnaire.
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/SW/0086
Date of REC Opinion
9 Aug 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion