The Therapeutic Relationship
Up to two-thirds of those with IBS will have long-term symptoms,[5,9] therefore, establishing an effective therapeutic relationship is key to management of IBS. This should incorporate giving a positive diagnosis of IBS after a limited set of investigations if necessary, setting realistic goals, addressing patient concerns and factors that may have led to presentation.[10,11] Interestingly, it has been demonstrated that patients with IBS in a primary care setting are not particularly interested in complex explanations regarding aetiology but are more interested in identifying triggers of symptoms,[12] therefore, a discussion of the role of diet and stress in precipitating symptoms is usually worthwhile.
Curr Opin Gastroenterol. 2018;34(1):50-56. © 2018 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Comments