Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics Student at King's College
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Nutrition research
Pico Question
In patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD, Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis), how does functional and/or integrative medicine and/or nutrition (compared to medical nutrition therapy with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist) affect IBD symptoms such as bowel movement frequency, abdominal pain, fecal incontinence, and overall quality of life.
Reflection
While exploring what topic I want to write my research thesis on, I came up with this Pico question. Though I have now switched gears on my research thesis topic, I felt this was important to post. I am curious about the various alternative therapies IBD patients do in an attempt to maintain symptom management. I was originally planning on an IBD patient survey that would have been a cross-sectional report of symptoms. Again, though I have chosen to switch gears on my research thesis, I thought this was important to post as it should be studied further in the future.
Conceptual Framework
Reflection
This conceptual framework is a visual representation of the Pico question asked - In patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD, Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis), how does functional and/or integrative medicine and/or nutrition (compared to medical nutrition therapy with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist) affect IBD symptoms such as bowel movement frequency, abdominal pain, fecal incontinence, and overall quality of life.
Literature Review
The objective of the literature review was to collect information on IBD patient perceptions of symptom management and relief through dietary intake, non-standard of care, standard of care, and overall QOL. Methods A thorough literature review of Medline database (PubMed) and Google Scholar were searched between January 2024 and June 2024 to find all related studies written in English that pertain to adult IBD patients, interventions used by the patient, and patient perceived outcomes in symptom management. The quality of studies was assessed and evaluated using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Evidence Analysis LibraryⓇ Quality Criteria Checklist for Primary Research. Inclusion criteria include studies with adults over the age of 18 with a diagnosis of IBD who have self-reported on patient perceptions and actions regarding treatment intervention (either standard treatment or non-standard treatment), patient self-prescribed treatment interventions and patient reported symptom outcomes. Exclusion criteria include studies that did not report patient perspectives and outcomes, studies on pediatric (
Reflection
The literature review I conduced for my original research thesis proposal helped me realize how much I learned in nutrition research. Studies I once thought reputable received a negative QCC rating after a thorough review was conducted. Overall, I learned so much in nutrition research and hope to one day contribute to the body of evidence in a research topic that is relevant to IBD patients and IBD healthcare providers.