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A comparative case analysis of naturopathic treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders
Abstract   Peer reviewed

A comparative case analysis of naturopathic treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders

Tristan Carter, Joshua Z. Goldenberg and Amie Steel
Advances in integrative medicine, Vol.6(Supplement 1), pp.S138-S138
14th International Congress on Complementary Research (ICCMR 2019), 14th (Brisbane, Australia, 07/05/2019–10/05/2019)
05/2019
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aimed.2019.03.403

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Abstract

Background: Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID’s), a considerable burden on the community and the economy, significantly impact an individual’s health-related quality of life. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS) are often utilized to obtain qualitative, validated measures of patient health status and outcomes of treatments. Naturopathic students studying at Endeavour College of Natural Health apply PROMS, including the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), to assess patients suffering FGID’s. Two clinical cases are summarised of patients treated by student naturopaths for FGID’s, utilizing the GSRS. Case Summary: Jane (case one) initially presented with extensive moderate digestive issues experienced as reactions to certain foods, coupled with other ailments including stress. Rona (case two) initially presented with minimal digestive complaints, constipation and abdominal discomfort, plus fatigue. Individualised combinations of herbal formulas, dietary changes and lifestyle alterations were prescribed in each case. Outcomes: Case notations suggest Jane’s symptoms improved considerably despite a negligible overall reduction from the GSRS baseline score. Inversely, Rona’s generalizable and minimal case notations suggest negligible symptom improvements; however, GSRS score changes indicate considerable symptom improvements after a single consult, completely subsiding after four consults. Implications: Holistic assessment of emotional, social and physical functions, incorporating PROMS, is important for clinicians to understand the severity of individual patient complaints and the outcomes of treatment for FGID patients. Potentially informing future clinical research in this area, naturopathic treatment approaches for FGID’s combining dietary changes and lifestyle prescriptions alongside other therapies such as herbal and nutritional medicine emphasise the complex interventions prescribed in realworld settings.

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