Patients’ perspectives on GP interactions after cognitive behavioural therapy for refractory IBS: a qualitative study in UK primary and secondary care

Background Previous studies have identified issues with the doctor–patient relationship in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) that negatively impact symptom management. Despite this, little research has explored interactions between GPs and patients with refractory IBS. National guidelines suggest cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) as a treatment option for refractory symptoms.

Aim To explore perceptions of interactions with GPs in individuals with refractory IBS after receiving CBT for IBS or treatment as usual (TAU).

Design and setting This qualitative study was embedded within a trial assessing CBT in refractory IBS. Fifty-two participants took part in semi-structured interviews post-treatment in UK primary and secondary care.

Method Inductive and/or data-driven thematic analysis was conducted to identify themes in the interview data.

Results Two key themes were identified: perceived paucity of GPs’ IBS knowledge and lack of empathy from GPs, but with acknowledgement that this has improved in recent years. These perceptions were described through three main stages of care: reaching a ‘last-resort diagnosis’; searching for the right treatment through a trial-and-error process, which lacked patient involvement; and unsatisfactory long-term management. Only CBT participants reported a shared responsibility with their doctors concerning symptom management and an intention to reduce health-seeking behaviour.

Conclusion In this refractory IBS group, specific doctor–patient communication issues were identified. Increased explanation of the process of reaching a positive diagnosis, more involvement of patients in treatment options (including a realistic appraisal of potential benefit), and further validation of symptoms could help. This study supports a role for CBT-based IBS self-management programmes to help address these areas and a suggestion that earlier access to these programmes may be beneficial.