Guidelines on the management of acute diarrhoea are not always being followed by GPs.
There is also a disconnect between what patients with acute diarrhoea want and how GPs are currently managing the condition.
These were the findings of new research unveiled at a satellite symposium entitled ‘Acute Diarrhoea – Turning Guidelines into Practice’ held at the third RCGP Annual National Primary Care Conference in Glasgow on 5th November 2009.
Survey results suggest that more than more than 20 million UK adults have suffered from diarrhoea in the last 6 months, making it the subject of many GP consultations.
Practice guidelines for acute diarrhoea published by the World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO) recommend loperamide for self-medication in otherwise healthy adults, but the research findings showed that half (48%) of GPs said they would rather patients use oral rehydration therapy alone and let diarrhoea ‘run its course’.
The research, which was sponsored by McNeil Products Ltd, the makers of Imodium (loperamide hydrochloride), also showed that the majority (69%) of diarrhoea sufferers wanted a treatment that is fast-acting.
Commenting on the research, Dr Jamie Dalrymple, Chair of the Primary Care Society for Gastroenterology, said: “In times of economic uncertainty, people want to be productive in their working life, not have to take time off work, and carry on with their lives as normal. 76% of people agreed that diarrhoea stops them from doing things they would normally do, so clearly, letting the diarrhoea run its course is not always an option for many people.”
The findings have led to the development of the new ‘Treating Acute Diarrhoea in Healthy Adults’ algorithm, which is being made available in GP in November 2009. The algorithm was created by a panel of experts in gastroenterology to provide guidance for UK GPs on how to treat acute diarrhoea in healthy adults.
One of the algorithm’s authors, Dr Stephen Lewis, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, said: “The ‘Treating with Acute Diarrhoea in Healthy Adults’ algorithm is an important step forward in improving the management of acute diarrhoea, as it provides clear guidance for UK GPs that remains consistent with the [WGO practice] guidance. People who suffer from acute diarrhoea should be recommended adequate fluid intake, diet as tolerated and loperamide as required, so that they can get on with their lives.”