J Hum Nutr Diet. 2023 Oct 31. doi: 10.1111/jhn.13262. Online ahead of print.

Aisling Colgan ^1 2, Katie Digby ^1 3 4, Tanefa Apekey ⁵, Iona Elborough-Whitehouse ⁶, Leah Seamark ⁷, Olivia Radcliffe ⁷, Marianne Williams ⁷, Mary Hickson ⁸

Author information

¹Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, LS1 3HE.

²Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust, Regent Point, Regent Farm Road, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 3HD.

³Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Healthy Living Centre, Princes Street, Peterborough, PE1 2QP.

⁴Leicestershire Partnership Trust, Melton Mowbray Hospital, Thorpe Road, Melton Mowbray, LE13 1SJ.

⁵School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, S1 4DA.

⁶Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust, Stockdale House, Victoria Road, Leeds, LS6 1PF.

⁷Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, Community Dietetics, Mallard Court, Bridgwater, TA6 4RN.

⁸Institute of Health and Community, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK.

Abstract

Evidence suggests that the low FODMAP diet (Fermentable Oligo-, Di-, Mono-saccharides, And Polyols) improves Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms when delivered by a dietitian. However, demand for dietetic appointments exceeds supply. Pre-recorded webinars are acceptable and cost-effective for delivering first-line IBS dietary advice. This study, using a pre-post design, aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a low FODMAP diet restriction phase webinar at improving IBS symptoms. Participants with self-reported IBS symptoms were asked to report their IBS symptoms, stool frequency, stool consistency, and IBS medication use, before and 8-weeks post-webinar via an online questionnaire. The presence and severity of participants' symptoms and bowel habits were captured using validated tools and a global symptom question. In total 228 participants responded to both pre and post surveys. A statistically significant improvement in all symptoms was observed 8-weeks post-webinar (p<0.05). The proportion of participants rating their overall symptoms as moderate-to-severe reduced from 85.5% at baseline to 34.6% post webinar (50.9% reduction, (p<0.001)). The proportion of participants reporting normal stool consistency and frequency significantly increased post webinar (23.2% to 39.9%, (p<0.001) and 76.3% to 89% (p<0.001) respectively)). Satisfactory relief of symptoms increased from 16.7% to 53.1%, (p<0.001) 8-weeks post-webinar. These results are comparable with literature on the efficacy of face-to-face delivery of low FODMAP diet education. Dietitians should consider directing triaged patients with IBS, who have tried first-line dietary advice, to this webinar as an alternative or alongside current practice.