One More Tool in the Tool Belt: A Qualitative Interview Study Investigating Patient and Clinician Opinions on the Integration of Psychometrics Into Routine Testing for Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction

• Published in: Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) CA), 2024-08, Vol.16 (8), p.e67155
• Main Authors: Law, Mikaela, Bartlett, Esme, Sebaratnam, Gabrielle, Pickering, Isabella, Simpson, Katie, Keane, Celia, Daker, Charlotte, Gharibans, Armen, O'Grady, Greg, Andrews, Christopher N, Calder, Stefan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Brain research; Clinical medicine; Collaboration; Demographics; Gastroenterology; Health psychology; Interviews; Medical research; Medical screening; Mental health; Nausea; Patients; Professional relationships; Psychology; Quantitative psychology; Reflexivity; Vomiting
• ISSN: 2168-8184; 2168-8184
• DOI: 10.7759/cureus.67155

Introduction Disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBIs) encompass a common group of disorders characterised by chronic gastrointestinal symptoms. Psychological comorbidities are common in patients with DGBIs and are linked with poorer patient outcomes. Consequently, assessing and managing mental wellbeing may lead to improvements in symptoms and quality of life. Methods This study aimed to explore patients' and clinicians' opinions on integrating psychometrics into routine DGBI testing. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 patients with gastroduodenal DGBI and 19 clinicians who see and treat these patients. Interviews were analysed using inductive, reflexive thematic analysis. Results Three key clinician themes were developed: (1) psychology as part of holistic care, emphasising the importance of a multidisciplinary approach; (2) the value of psychometrics in clinical practice, highlighting their potential for screening and expanding management; and (3) navigating barriers to utilising psychometrics, addressing the need for standardisation to maintain the therapeutic relationship. Four key patient themes were developed: (1) the utility of psychometrics in clinical care, reflecting the perceived benefits; (2) openness to psychological management, indicating patients' willingness to explore psychological treatments; (3) concerns with psychological integration, addressing potential stigma and fear of labelling; and (4) the significance of clinician factors, emphasising the importance of clinician bedside manner, knowledge and collaboration. Conclusions These themes demonstrate that patients and clinicians see value in integrating psychometrics into routine DGBI testing. Despite potential barriers, psychometrics advance patient and clinician understanding and facilitate multidisciplinary management. Recommendations for navigating challenges were provided, and considering these, patients and clinicians supported the use of psychometrics as screening tools for patients with DGBIs.