A dietitian led low FODMAP diet webinar: A pre-post study evaluating the impact on symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

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. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.