Feasibility, acceptability and cost efficiency of using webinars to deliver first-line patient education for people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome as part of a dietetic-led gastroenterology service in primary care.
BACKGROUND
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder. International research suggests dietary intervention as a first-line approach, although dietetic services are struggling to cope with demand. Digital technology may offer a solution to deliver appropriate patient education. The present study aimed to assess the feasibility, acceptability and cost efficiency of using webinars to deliver first-line IBS advice to patients as part of a dietetic-led gastroenterology service in primary care.


METHODS
Patients were directed to an IBS First Line Advice webinar on a specialist NHS website. Data were collected from patients pre- and post-webinar use using an online survey.


RESULTS
In total, 1171 attendees completed the pre-webinar survey and 443 completed the post-webinar survey. Attendees ranged from under 17 years to over 75 years. Of the attendees, 95% found the webinar easy to access and 91% were satisfied with the content of the webinar. Those with excellent or good knowledge rose from 25% pre-webinar to 67% post-webinar, and confidence in managing their condition improved for 74% of attendees. Using the webinars led to a 44% reduction in referrals for one-to-one appointments with a specialist dietitian in the first year of use. The value of the clinical time saved is estimated at £3593 per annum. The one-off cost of creating the webinar was £3597.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of webinars is a feasible, acceptable and cost-efficient way of delivering first-line patient education to people suffering with Irritable Bowel Syndrome as part of a dietetic-led gastroenterology service in primary care.
['Williams|M|M|0000-0001-6600-7051', 'Barclay|Y|Y|', 'Harper|L|L|', 'Marchant|C|C|', 'Seamark|L|L|0000-0001-9495-3491', 'Hickson|M|M|0000-0001-7996-0095']
D000293:Adolescent D000328:Adult D000368:Aged D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis D004046:Dietetics D005240:Feasibility Studies D005260:Female D005762:Gastroenterology D006801:Humans D000079382:Internet-Based Intervention D043183:Irritable Bowel Syndrome D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care D010353:Patient Education as Topic D011320:Primary Health Care D012017:Referral and Consultation D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires D055815:Young Adult
webinar patient education IBS digital digital transformation patient empowerment