by Dr Sarah Jarvis MBE, FRCGP, Clinical Director of patient.info

The introduction of the Rome IV criteria (2016) lowered IBS prevalence to 3.8%. However, it remains one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders seen in primary care, with up to 1 in 5 GP visits due to gut-related issues.  

The role of the GP in managing digestive health discusses current IBS guidelines and evidence-based interventions to help reduce the significant impact of IBS on patient quality of life. 

Increase your knowledge of: 

- The diagnostic criteria for IBS 

- Evidence-based interventions for IBS management 

- When to refer to the multidisciplinary team (MDT) 

- Key considerations and evidence regarding probiotic recommendations 

Author: Dr Jarvis became a GP in 1990 after training at Cambridge and Oxford. A partner in the same practice for almost 30 years, she now works regularly as a GP locum. Since 2017, Dr Jarvis has been Clinical Director of patient.co.uk, and is perhaps best known as the doctor to Radio 2 and ITV lunchtime news, with regular appearances for almost 20 years.