The WellSouth dietitians have developed a new pathway for managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), designed to reduce wait times for dietitian services. The pathway was developed in collaboration with health coaches and includes a stepped approach to IBS education and dietary management.

A short video has been created to outlining the pathway, referral process, and the support available for patients with IBS and how it works across primary care.

As part of the pathway, health coaches have been supported and trained to provide first-line IBS advice, with clear guidance around when patients should be referred back to their GP for further assessment or management.  For practices without access to a health coach, an online group session for patients has been developed covering first-line IBS advice. Plus, two further groups provide more specialised dietary education around Low FODMAP diet education and FODMAP reintroduction. These online groups are planned to run three to four times per year, providing patients with an accessible way to receive evidence-based dietary education while helping to improve access to dietitian support.

Feedback from patients been very positive so far, with the groups helping people with IBS access appropriate support sooner.