A care pathway for managing irritable bowel syndrome and GI disorders
GUT LINK: A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Comparative Effectiveness of an Evidence-based Care Pathway Across Primary and GI Specialty Care
This study is testing a new care plan to help doctors better diagnose and treat irritable bowel syndrome and other gut issues using a special support tool.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Nova Scotia Health Authority Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Halifax, Nova Scotia) |
| Trial ID | NCT05725954 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to implement and evaluate a Clinical Care Pathway designed to assist primary healthcare providers in diagnosing and managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other gastrointestinal disorders. By utilizing evidence-based guidelines, the study seeks to improve the differentiation between IBS and more serious gastrointestinal conditions. The intervention involves the GUT LINK SmartPath platform, which supports healthcare providers in delivering care to patients with lower GI complaints. The pilot study will assess the effectiveness of this care pathway in a real-world setting.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are general practitioners in Nova Scotia who treat patients with lower GI complaints and use the 'virtual hallway' platform for referrals.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have access to primary care or those with severe gastrointestinal conditions requiring immediate specialist intervention may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance the accuracy of IBS diagnoses and improve patient management in primary care settings.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of implementing care pathways is established, this specific study's focus on IBS and GI disorders through a virtual platform is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Must be a general practitioner * Have a family practice in Nova Scotia, Canada * Utilize the platform 'virtual hallway' as part of current referral practices * Deliver care to patients with lower GI complaints Exclusion Criteria: * None
Where this trial is running
Halifax, Nova Scotia
- QEII Health Sciences Centre — Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Michael Stewart, MD
- Email: Michael.Stewart@Dal.ca
- Phone: 1(902) 473-2222 xt. 2526
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.