Patient and provider benefits
Although DTx tools are still in the early stages of development and validation, they can improve patient care and add value to a gastroenterologist’s practice, the authors write.
The products should undergo the same level of scientific rigor as pharmaceutical therapies, including randomized controlled trials in diverse patient groups, and patient data handling must be secure and transparent, the authors write. Cost analyses will be an important factor in clinical integration and adoption, they add.
“Change is inevitable, and the right change will bring benefits to providers and their patients,” Dr. Chey said. “Don’t be afraid of it, but do your due diligence before you embrace it. Our primer is intended to help providers conduct that due diligence.”
While behavioral health care is essential for many patients with IBS, there aren’t enough therapists with GI knowledge to meet the demand, Melissa Hunt, PhD, associate director of clinical training in psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, said in an interview. The population prevalence of IBS is 6%, which means about 18 million people in the United States need guidance, she said.
Dr. Hunt, who wasn’t involved with this paper, has evaluated DTx options for patients with IBS, including the randomized controlled trial of Zemedy. Her research suggests that about 50% of IBS patients could benefit from self-help DTx.
“I get two to three new patient referrals a week and have a 6-month wait-list for my private practice,” Dr. Hunt said. “DTx is a cutting edge, evidence-based way to address the gaps in service and meet the needs of this population.”
The study didn’t receive any funding. The authors disclosed research, consultant, and leadership relationships with several companies not related to this report. Dr. Hunt declared no relevant financial relationships.
A version of this article originally appeared on Medscape.com.