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. 2018 Jul;35(7):967-980.
doi: 10.1007/s12325-018-0733-x. Epub 2018 Jun 26.

Better Understanding and Recognition of the Disconnects, Experiences, and Needs of Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (BURDEN IBS-C) Study: Results of an Online Questionnaire

Eamonn M M Quigley  1 , John Horn  2 , Michele Kissous-Hunt  3 , Robert A Crozier  4 , Lucinda A Harris  5
Affiliations

Better Understanding and Recognition of the Disconnects, Experiences, and Needs of Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (BURDEN IBS-C) Study: Results of an Online Questionnaire

Eamonn M M Quigley et al. Adv Ther. 2018 Jul.

Abstract

Introduction: The BURDEN IBS-C study was conducted to better understand the experiences, attitudes, and unmet needs of sufferers of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in comparison to the perceptions and challenges of healthcare providers (HCPs) who treat IBS-C patients.

Methods: This was an author-developed, online questionnaire using KnowledgePanel® to survey individuals with IBS-C (N = 1311). HCPs participated in a complementary online questionnaire and were recruited separately (N = 331). The study was fielded from June 29, 2016, to January 30, 2017.

Results: Most patients had used (86%) and/or were using (76%) over-the-counter treatments for their IBS-C, with 12% currently on prescription therapy. At the time this study was conducted, 66% and 63% were not satisfied/completely satisfied with over-the-counter or prescription treatment, respectively, citing inadequate efficacy (55%) and side effects (39%), most commonly diarrhea, as common reasons for dissatisfaction. IBS-C respondents most commonly reported feeling frustrated (43%) and stressed (28%) regarding IBS-C, though 39% were accepting of IBS-C as part of daily life. HCPs were aligned with patients in thinking that patients were frustrated (76%) and stressed (65%) but HCPs were less likely to recognize that patients had become accepting of their IBS-C (13%). Most HCPs (79%) were not satisfied/completely satisfied with the prescription treatments available at the time this study was conducted. Inadequate response rates to current therapies (55%) and treatment adherence/compliance issues (58%) were the most frequent challenges encountered by HCPs. IBS-C respondents reported that their symptoms impacted productivity and personal activity, on average, 4 and 3 days/month, respectively.

Conclusion: These results suggest that current management pathways may not be adequately addressing the symptoms and needs of individuals with IBS-C, most notably side effects and lack of efficacy. Patients and HCPs expressed dissatisfaction with over-the-counter and prescription treatments available at the time this study was conducted. Additional treatment options and improved dialogue would be beneficial to HCPs and patients.

Funding: Synergy Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Keywords: Gastroenterology; Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation; Quality of life; Survey.

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Conflict of interest statement

Eamonn M.M. Quigley has participated in advisory boards and has served as a consultant for Synergy Pharmaceuticals Inc. Lucinda A. Harris has participated in advisory boards and has served as a consultant for Synergy Pharmaceuticals Inc. Robert A. Crozier is an employee and holder of stock options in Synergy Pharmaceuticals Inc. Michele Kissous-Hunt has served on speakers bureaus for Synergy Pharmaceuticals Inc. John Horn has nothing to disclose.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
IBS-C association with impacted productivity and personal activities. Mean number of days impacted includes respondents whose estimate was 0
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Patient experience with prescription therapies for the treatment of IBS-C. Left: Of respondents who were past or current users of prescription treatment. Right: Of patients who were past or current users of branded prescription, which includes lubiprostone and linaclotide. Rx prescription
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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