title: Comparison of treatment outcome measures for irritable bowel syndrome.
abstract: We have examined the relations among three common treatment outcome measures in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): end of treatment global ratings by a physician, end of treatment patient global ratings, and measures derived from a daily symptom diary completed by the patient. Eighty-four IBS patients (53 female, 31 male) participated in a randomized controlled evaluation of three psychological treatment conditions for IBS. Treatment outcome measures from this trial (Blanchard et al., 1992) were used in the present methodological study. Physician global ratings were significantly correlated with patient global ratings (r = .45, p < .01). Both of these global ratings also correlated significantly with a composite score from patient diary ratings. Multiple regression analyses revealed that reductions in bloating and constipation account for 18% of the variance in patient global ratings. Global ratings at end of treatment by either patient or physician were only partially related to symptom relief as measured by a daily diary.
authors.affiliation: University at Albany-SUNY, USA.
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Meissner
authors.forename: E B
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Blanchard
authors.forename: H S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Malamood
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003109:Colonic Diseases, Functional / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records; D009126:Muscle Relaxation; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012803:Sick Role