The patient's perspective of irritable bowel syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
The researchers wanted to understand how irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects patients' lives and their interactions with physicians and the health care system.


METHODS
A qualitative study was performed using focus groups of people with physician-diagnosed IBS. Immersion/crystallization was used to identify overriding themes.


METHODS
Adult volunteers with a previous physician diagnosis of IBS were included.


METHODS
The outcomes were patient-reported symptoms, episode triggers, treatments, lifestyle changes, and interactions with their physicians that were related to IBS, and overriding themes identified from the focus groups.


RESULTS
The subjects described IBS as a chronic episodic illness that affects their daily lives. Interaction with the medical community seldom clarified understanding of the condition or improved its management. Three overriding themes emerged from the groups: a sense of frustration, a sense of isolation, and a search for a niche in the health/sick role continuum. Frustration was evident in the perceived inability to control symptoms, prevent episodes, identify episode triggers, and obtain medical validation of the condition. The constant anticipation of the next IBS episode, the need for immediate access to toilet facilities, and the nature of the bowel symptoms often required withdrawal from social activities and resultant isolation.


CONCLUSIONS
IBS is perceived as a chronic condition resulting in frustration and social isolation, and physicians are perceived to be providing inadequate medical information or support to patients with IBS.
Bertram
S
S
Department of Research, Olmsted Medical Center, Rochester, MN 55904, USA.
Kurland
M
M
Lydick
E
E
Locke
G R
GR
Yawn
B P
BP
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003109:Colonic Diseases, Functional / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology*; D003142:Communication; D017281:Cost of Illness; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012752:Shame; D012803:Sick Role; D012934:Social Isolation