Journal Articles

Published Research

The following is a summary of journal publications by Associate Professor Knowles. Click on the references below for further details.

Journal Articles

2019

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Kuoch, K.L.J., Meyer, DMoller, S., Apputhurai, P., Knowles. S.R. (2019). Confirmatory factor analyses of the ORTO 15-, 11- and 9-item scales and recommendations for suggested cut-off scores. Eating and Weight Disorders (EAWD). 24(1):21-28. ., Austin, D.W., & Knowles, S.R. (2019). Exploration of the Socio-Cognitive Processes Underlying Paruresis and Parcopresis. Current Psychology.
Abstract:
Correction to: Confirmatory factor analyses of the ORTO 15-, 11- and 9-item scales and recommendations for suggested cut-off scores.
Abstract
Aims: To explore the validity and recommend cut-off scores in an English-speaking sample for 9, 11, and 15-item versions of the ORTO measure for orthorexia, a proposed eating disorder characterised by a pathological obsession with consuming only ‘healthy’ foods.

Materials and methods: The sample comprised of 585 participants (82.4% female) who completed an online questionnaire containing the ORTO-15, Eating Attitudes test, Obsessive Compulsive Inventory Revised. A series of Confirmatory Factor Analyses were conducted to test model fit. Binary logistic linear regression and receiver-operating-characteristics (ROC) analyses were used to obtain cut-offs.

Results and conclusion: Results showed that none of the three published versions (9, 11, and 15-item) of the ORTO produced an acceptable model. Subsequent exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses yielded a seven-item version of the ORTO (ORTO-7) with a strong and stable factor structure. Analysis of cut-offs revealed that a cut-off score of equal or greater than 19 on the ORTO-7 represents probable orthorexia.

Level of evidence: Level V, descriptive study.
URL: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs40519-018-0515-0 

Kuoch, K.L.J., Meyer, D., Austin, D.W., & Knowles, S.R. (2019). Exploration of the Socio-Cognitive Processes Underlying Paruresis and Parcopresis. Current Psychology.
Abstract:
To date, research exploring the socio-cognitive processes associated with paruresis and parcopresis symptomology is lacking. The current study aimed to investigate how the socio-cognitive processes dysfunctional attitudes (DAs) and fear of negative and positive evaluation (FNE and FPE respectively) relate to paruresis and parcopresis symptomology. In total, 254 undergraduate students (74.0% female; mean age = 31.67 years) completed a cross-sectional online study. A structural equation model indicated the data fit reasonably well (χ2 p value = .209, CMIN/df = 1.514, CFI = .995, TLI = .983, RMSEA = .045, SRMR = .0272), with FPE mediating the relationship between DAs and paruresis symptom severity (p = .001) along with parcopresis symptom severity (p = .001). However, secondary analyses identified that FPE and FNE act as mediators between DAs and paruresis and parcopresis symptom severity when placed in separate models. This is the first study to provide evidence that the psychosocial-cognitive processes DAs and fear of evaluation play an important role in paruresis and parcopresis symptomology. Although this research should be replicated, the current study provides evidence that DAs, and FPE are important contributory factors in paruresis and parcopresis symptoms.URL: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12144-019-0125-7 
Kuoch, K.L.J., Meyer, D., Austin, D.W., & Knowles, S.R. (2019). Development and Validation of the Bladder and Bowel Incontinence Phobia Severity Scale (BBIPSS). Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy, 33(4), 271-285.
Abstract:
The current research investigates the development and validation of the Bladder and Bowel Incontinence Phobia Severity Scale (BBIPSS). Over two studies, two independent samples consisting of university students and respondents from the general public were used to validate the scale (study 1 n = 226; study 2 n = 377). A 15-item, two-factor model was confirmed in study 2 where strong construct (convergent and divergent) validity was demonstrated. The BBIPSS did not display significant correlations with openness and gender (divergent validity) and displayed significant correlations with depression, anxiety, and stress scores (DASS), alongside paruresis and parcopresis scores (Shy Bladder and Bowel Scale [SBBS]; convergent validity) and the Bowel and Bladder-Control Anxiety Scale [BoBCAtS]. The BBIPSS also demonstrated strong test–retest reliability (bladder r = 0.89; bowel r = 0.86) in a small sample of adults (n = 13). Overall, this scale provides researchers and clinicians with a reliable and psychometrically valid assessment tool to measure bladder and bowel incontinence phobia severity.
URL: https://connect.springerpub.com/content/sgrjcp/33/4/271 
Kuoch, K. L. J., Meyer, D., Austin, D. W., & Knowles, S. R. (2019). Classification and differentiation of bladder and bowel related anxieties: A socio-cognitive exploration. Current Psychology.
Abstract:
The current study aimed to explore the validity of a single, self-report measure for bladder and bowel anxieties (Bladder and Bowel Anxiety Grouping Item; BABAGI), using two appropriate scales entitled the Shy Bladder and Bowel Scale (SBBS) and the Bladder and Bowel Incontinence Phobia Severity Scale (BBIPSS). This study also aimed to examine the similarities and differences in dysfunctional attitudes (DAs), fear of negative and positive evaluation (FNE and FPE), concerns of social reprisal (CSR), and disqualification of positive social outcomes (DPSO) across individuals who self-identify as having paruresis/parcopresis, incontinence anxiety, or neither condition according to the BABAGI measure. Three-hundred-and-six undergraduate students (77.1% female; mean age = 31.18 years) completed a cross-sectional, online study. The results supported the hypothesis that by using the BABAGI, self-reported paruresis/parcopresis could be reliably identified by SBBS scores of above 6.75 and that self-reported incontinence anxiety could be reliably identified by BBIPSS scores above 15.21. The results also supported the hypothesis that individuals who self-identified as having paruresis/parcopresis or incontinence anxiety would score higher in socio-cognitive processes (DAs, FNE, FPE, CSR, DPSO) compared to individuals who self-identified as having neither condition. Given that the paruresis/parcopresis and incontinence anxiety groups do not significantly differ from each other with respect to socio-cognitive processes, this suggests that both sets of conditions share similar underlying psychosocial processes.
URL: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-019-00364-0 
Kuoch, K. L. J., Meyer, D., Austin, D. W., & Knowles, S. R. (2019). Socio-cognitive processes associated with paruresis and parcopresis symptoms: A proposed bivalent model. Current Psychology.
Abstract:
Paruresis has been recognized as a subtype of Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). A well-established model of SAD is the extended bivalent fear of evaluation model (extended BFOE) which include socio-cognitive processes such as fear of negative and positive evaluation (FNE and FPE), concerns of social reprisal (CSR), and disqualification of positive social outcomes (DPSO). In addition to the extended BFOE, dysfunctional attitudes (DAs) have also been recognized to contribute towards social anxiety symptoms and distress. The aim of this study was to examine whether an extended BFOE model for SAD could be used to explain paruresis and parcopresis symptoms. Three-hundred-and-sixteen undergraduate students (76.6% female; mean age = 31.25 years) completed a cross-sectional online study. A structural equation model (SEM) indicated the data supported the proposed model very well (χ2p value = .345, CMIN/df = 1.064, CFI = 1.00, TLI = .999, RMSEA = .014, SRMR = .0107) with significant direct relationships being found between DAs and FNE (p = .002), DAs and FPE (p = .002), FNE and CSR (p = .001), FPE and CSR (p = .001), CSR and paruresis score (p = .045), CSR and DAs (p = .006), FPE and paruresis score (p = .001), FPE and parcopresis score (p = .004), FNE and paruresis score (p = .004), and FNE and parcopresis score (p = .002). Although this research should be replicated, the current study provides evidence that DAs, FNE, FPE and CSR are important contributory factors in paruresis and parcopresis symptoms.URL: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-019-00376-w  
Dowsey, M. M., Castle, D., Knowles, S.R., Monshat, K., Salzberg, M., Nelson, A.E., Dunin, T., Dunin, J., Spelman, T., & Choong, P. (2019). The effect of mindfulness training prior to total joint arthroplasty on postoperative pain and physical function: a randomised controlled trial. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 49, 195-201.
Abstract:
Objective
To evaluate the efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) in improving pain and physical function following total joint arthroplasty (TJA).

Design
Two-group, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial, conducted between September 2012 and May 2017.

Setting
Single centre study conducted at a University-affiliated, tertiary hospital.

Intervention
People with arthritis scheduled for TJA, with a well-being score <40 (Short Form-12 Survey) were randomly allocated to a pre-surgery eight-week MBSR program or treatment as usual (TAU). Outcome Measures Self-reported joint pain and function at 12 months post-surgery, assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Secondary outcomes were knee stiffness and global improvement (WOMAC); physical and psychological well-being (Veterans RAND 12-item Health Survey); self-efficacy (Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale); and mindfulness (5-Factor Mindfulness Questionnaire). Results 127 participants were randomised; 65 to MBSR and 62 to TAU, of which 45 participants allocated to the intervention and 56 participants allocated to usual care proceeded to surgery and 100 (99%) completed primary outcome measures. Greater improvements in knee pain (mean difference, -10.3 points, 95% CI -19.0 to -1.6; P = 0.021) and function (mean difference, -10.2 points, 95% CI -19.2 to -1.3; P = 0.025) at 12 months post-surgery were observed in the MBSR group compared to the TAU group. A between group difference in global scores (-9.5 points, 95% CI -17.9 to -1.1; P = 0.027) was also observed. No other differences in secondary outcomes were observed. Conclusion MBSR improves post-surgery pain and function in people with psychological distress undergoing TJA. Further research is required to examine potential barriers to broader implementation and uptake. URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2019.08.010  

Mikocka‐Walus, A., Massuger, W., Knowles, S. R., Moore, G. T., Buckton, S., Connell, W., Pavli, P., Raven, L., & Andrews, J.M. (2019). Psychological Distress is Highly Prevalent in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Survey of Psychological Needs and Attitudes. JGH Open.
Abstract:
Background and Aim
Data on patient needs and access to psychological services in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are scarce. This study aimed to describe the levels of distress and the needs, attitudes, and access to psychological services for people within Australia against established Australian IBD Standards.

Methods
An online cross‐sectional survey was conducted with Australians ≥16 years old recruited via Crohn’s & Colitis Australia membership, public and private clinics, and the Royal Flying Doctor Service. K10 was used to measure psychological distress. The Chi‐square test was used to compare those with and without distress on key variables.

Results
Overall, 731 respondents provided complete data (71.5% female, mean age 46.5 years). Overall, 50% of respondents reported distress; only 15.2% were currently seeing a mental health practitioner; only 16.1% were asked about their mental health by their IBD specialist or IBD nurse; and only 12.2% reported access to a mental health practitioner as part of their IBD service. Those with psychological distress were significantly less satisfied with their IBD care; more commonly hospitalized; had an active disease, fistula or perianal disease, pain, or fatigue; and were receiving steroids, opioids, or antidepressants (all P  < 0.05). As many as 68.2% of those with severe distress were not seeing a mental health practitioner. Conclusions The integrated biopsychosocial model of health care, with regular mental health screening and good access to mental health professionals, is requested by people living with IBD to improve their outcomes. URL: https://doi.org/10.1002/jgh3.12236  

Kuoch, K. L. J., Hebbard, G. S., O’Connell, H. E., Austin, D. W., & Knowles, S. R. (2019). Urinary and faecal incontinence: Psychological factors and management recommendations. New Zealand Medical Journal. 132(1503), 25-33.
Abstract:
Background: Urinary and faecal incontinence substantially impacts upon physical health and is associated with significant psychological distress and reduced quality of life. Due to stigma and embarrassment, many patients do not present for management of their incontinence.

Aim: The objective of this article is to summarise the forms and causes of urinary and faecal incontinence, highlight the psychological mechanisms and psychopathology associated with incontinence, and provide management recommendations.

Conclusion: Urinary and faecal incontinence can have a significant impact on an individual’s psychological wellbeing and quality of life. Psychological factors may either contribute to or arise from incontinence and should be addressed as part of the overall management plan.

URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31581179/ 

Kuoch, K. L. J., Meyer, D., Austin, D. W., & Knowles, S. R. (2019). Socio-cognitive processes associated with bladder and bowel incontinence anxiety: A proposed bivalent model. Current Psychology, 1-8.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to examine whether the extended bivalent fear of evaluation model (extended BFOE) of Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) could be used to explain bladder and bowel incontinence anxiety (BBIA). It was hypothesised that the relationship between dysfunctional attitudes (DAs) and BBIA would be mediated by fear of negative evaluation (FNE), fear of positive evaluation (FPE), concerns of social reprisal (CSR), and disqualification of positive social outcomes (DPSO). Three-hundred-and-seventeen undergraduate students (76.7% female; mean age = 31.07 years) completed a cross-sectional online study. A structural equation model (SEM) supported the proposed model (χ2p value = .131, CMIN/df = 1.560, CFI = .996, TLI = .990, RMSEA = .042, SRMR = .0245) with significant relationships found between DAs and FNE (p < .001), DAs and FPE (p = .002), DAs and CSR (p = .007), FNE and CSR (p < .001), FNE and DPSO (p < .001), FPE and CSR (p < .001), FPE and DPSO (p < .001), CSR and DPSO (p < .001), BBIPSS bladder and bowel with incontinence anxiety (p < .001). These results suggest that DAs, FNE, and DPSO are important contributory factors in BBIA. Given that FNE was the strongest mediator in the model, clinicians may find it advantageous to target FNE in treatment of incontinence-anxiety. URL: https://10.1007/s12144-019-00496-3  
Kantidakis, J.D., Knowles, S.R., Mikocka‐Walus, A., Taft, T.H., Keefer, L., Palsson, O.S., Drossman, D.A. (2019). A clinician's quick guide to evidence‐based approaches: Irritable bowel syndrome, Clinical Psychologist, 23(3), 283-285.

Abstract:

No abstract is available for this article 

URL: https://doi.org/10.1111/cp.12201 

Knowles, S.R., & Alex, G. (in press 22/03/2019). Medication adherence across the lifespan in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Implications and recommendations for nurses and other health providers. Gastroenterology Nursing.

Abstract:

This paper reviews the differences and similarities in medication adherence between adolescent and adult Inflammatory Bowel Disease cohorts. The review covers the rates of medication adherence, as well as predictors, consequences, and related interventions. Rates of adherence were more favorable among adolescents (65-90%) than adults (55-70%). Major risk factors for poor adherence in adolescents include low medication knowledge, not establishing good medication habits initially and peer victimization with low social support. For adults, non-adherence is more frequently unintentional (e.g., forgetting) and occurs more often in the context of a poor-quality patient-physician relationship, low medication knowledge, infrequent/missed appointments, busy lifestyle, and concurrent mental health concerns. Non-adherence to medication is associated with worsening of symptoms and risk of relapse in adults and adolescents. Nurses can play a significant role in influencing adherence to medication in patients with IBD. In particular, nurses can help to impart knowledge on the importance of medication, and identify factors that may help or hinder an individual in terms of adherence. Based on the current review, implications for practice and recommendations for nurses to promote medication adherence across both adolescent and adult cohorts are provided. Limitations of the currently available evidence and suggestions for future research are discussed.

 

URL: TBA

Kuoch, K.L.J., Meyer, D., Austin, D.W., &Knowles, S.R. (in press 24/11/2018). Development and Validation of the Bladder and Bowel Incontinence Phobia Severity Scale (BBIPSS). Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy.

Abstract

The current research investigates the development and validation of the Bladder and Bowel Incontinence Phobia Severity Scale (BBIPSS). Over two studies, two independent samples consisting of university students and respondents from the general public were used to validate the scale (study 1 n = 226; study 2 n = 377). A 15-item, two-factor model was confirmed in study 2 where strong construct (convergent and divergent) validity was demonstrated. The BBIPSS did not display significant correlations with openness and gender (divergent validity) and displayed significant correlations with depression, anxiety and stress scores (DASS), alongside paruresis and parcopresis scores (SBBS; convergent validity) and the BoBCAtS. The BBIPSS also demonstrated strong test-retest reliability (bladder r = 0.89; bowel r = 0.86) in a small sample of adults (n = 13). Overall, this scale provides researchers and clinicians with a reliable and psychometrically valid assessment tool to measure bladder and bowel incontinence phobia severity.  

 

URL: TBA

Kuoch, K.L.J., Meyer, D., Austin, D.W., & Knowles, S.R. (in press 11/12/2018). Exploration of the Socio-Cognitive Processes Underlying Paruresis and Parcopresis. Current Psychology. DOI: https://10.1007/s12144-019-0125-7.

Abstract

To date, research exploring the socio-cognitive processes associated with paruresis and parcopresis symptomology is lacking. The current study aimed to investigate how the socio-cognitive processes dysfunctional attitudes (DAs) and fear of negative and positive evaluation (FNE and FPE respectively) relate to paruresis and parcopresis symptomology. In total, 254 undergraduate students (74.0% female; mean age = 31.67 years) completed a cross-sectional online study. A structural equation model indicated the data fit reasonably well (χ2 p value = .209, CMIN/df = 1.514, CFI = .995, TLI = .983, RMSEA = .045, SRMR = .0272), with FPE mediating the relationship between DAs and paruresis symptom severity (p = .001) along with parcopresis symptom severity (p = .001). However, secondary analyses identified that FPE and FNE act as mediators between DAs and paruresis and parcopresis symptom severity when placed in separate models. This is the first study to provide evidence that the psychosocial-cognitive processes DAs and fear of evaluation play an important role in paruresis and parcopresis symptomology. Although this research should be replicated, the current study provides evidence that DAs, and FPE are important contributory factors in paruresis and parcopresis symptoms.

 

URL: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12144-019-0125-7

Mikocka-Walus, A., Fielder, A., Prady, S. L., Esterman, A.J., Knowles, S, Andrews, J.M. (2019). Adjuvant therapy with antidepressants for themanagement of inflammatory bowel disease.Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD012680.DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD012680.pub2.

Abstract

Background

Symptoms of anxiety and depression are common in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Antidepressants are taken by approximately 30% of people with IBD. However, there are no current guidelines on treating co‐morbid anxiety and depression in people with IBD with antidepressants, nor are there clear data on the role of antidepressants in managing physical symptoms of IBD.

 

Objectives

The objectives were to assess the efficacy and safety of antidepressants for treating anxiety and depression in IBD, and to assess the effects of antidepressants on quality of life (QoL) and managing disease activity in IBD.

 

Search methods

We searched MEDLINE; Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, CENTRAL, and the Cochrane IBD Group Specialized Register from inception to 23 August 2018. Reference lists, trials registers, conference proceedings and grey literature were also searched.

 

Selection criteria

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies comparing any type of antidepressant to placebo, no treatment or an active therapy for IBD were included.

 

Data collection and analysis

Two authors independently screened search results, extracted data and assessed bias using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. We used the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale to assess quality of observational studies. GRADE was used to evaluate the certainty of the evidence supporting the outcomes. Primary outcomes included anxiety and depression. Anxiety was assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) or the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS). Depression was assessed using HADS or the Beck Depression Inventory. Secondary outcomes included adverse events (AEs), serious AEs, withdrawal due to AEs, quality of life (QoL), clinical remission, relapse, pain, hospital admissions, surgery, and need for steroid treatment. QoL was assessed using the WHO‐QOL‐BREF questionnaire. We calculated the risk ratio (RR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) for dichotomous outcomes. For continuous outcomes, we calculated the mean difference (MD) with 95% CI. A fixed‐effect model was used for analysis.

 

Main results

We included four studies (188 participants). Two studies were double‐blind RCTs, one was a non‐randomised controlled trial, and one was an observational retrospective case‐matched study. The age of participants ranged from 27 to 37.8 years. In three studies participants had quiescent IBD and in one study participants had active or quiescent IBD. Participants in one study had co‐morbid anxiety or depression. One study used duloxetine (60 mg daily), one study used fluoxetine (20 mg daily), one study used tianeptine (36 mg daily), and one study used various antidepressants in clinical ranges. Three studies had placebo controls and one study had a no treatment control group. One RCT was rated as low risk of bias and the other was rated as high risk of bias (incomplete outcome data). The non‐randomised controlled trial was rated as high risk of bias (random sequence generation, allocation concealment, blinding). The observational study was rated as high methodological quality, but is still considered to be at high risk of bias given its observational design.

 

The effect of antidepressants on anxiety and depression is uncertain. At 12 weeks, the mean anxiety score in antidepressant participants was 6.11 + 3 compared to 8.5 + 3.45 in placebo participants (MD ‐2.39, 95% ‐4.30 to ‐0.48, 44 participants, low certainty evidence). At 12 months, the mean anxiety score in antidepressant participants was 3.8 + 2.5 compared to 4.2 + 4.9 in placebo participants (MD ‐0.40, 95% ‐3.47 to 2.67, 26 participants; low certainty evidence). At 12 weeks, the mean depression score in antidepressant participants was 7.47 + 2.42 compared to 10.5 + 3.57 in placebo participants (MD ‐3.03, 95% CI ‐4.83 to ‐1.23, 44 participants; low certainty evidence). At 12 months, the mean depression score in antidepressant participants was 2.9 + 2.8 compared to 3.1 + 3.4 in placebo participants (MD ‐0.20, 95% ‐2.62 to 2.22, 26 participants; low certainty evidence).

 

The effect of antidepressants on AEs is uncertain. Fifty‐seven per cent (8/14) of antidepressant participants group reported AEs versus 25% (3/12) of placebo participants (RR 2.29, 95% CI 0.78 to 6.73, low certainty evidence). Commonly reported AEs include nausea, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, sexual problems, insomnia, fatigue, low mood/anxiety, dry mouth, muscle spasms and hot flushes. None of the included studies reported any serious AEs. None of the included studies reported on pain.

 

One study (44 participants) reported on QoL at 12 weeks and another study (26 participants) reported on QoL at 12 months. Physical, Psychological, Social and Environmental QoL were improved at 12 weeks compared to placebo (all low certainty evidence). There were no group differences in QoL at 12 months (all low certainty evidence). The effect of antidepressants on maintenance of clinical remission and endoscopic relapse is uncertain. At 12 months, 64% (9/14) of participants in the antidepressant group maintained clinical remission compared to 67% (8/12) of placebo participants (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.69; low certainty evidence). At 12 months, none (0/30) of participants in the antidepressant group had endoscopic relapse compared to 10% (3/30) of placebo participants (RR 0.14, 95% CI 0.01 to 2.65; very low certainty evidence).

 

Authors’ conclusions

The results for the outcomes assessed in this review are uncertain and no firm conclusions regarding the efficacy and safety of antidepressants in IBD can be drawn. Future studies should employ RCT designs, with a longer follow‐up and develop solutions to address attrition. Inclusion of objective markers of disease activity is strongly recommended as is testing antidepressants from different classes, as at present it is unclear if any antidepressant (or class thereof) has differential efficacy.

 

URL: https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD012680.pub2/abstract

Jackson B.D., Begun, J., Gray, K., Churilov, L., Liew, D., Knowles, S.,&De Cruz, P. (2019). Clinical decision support improves quality of care in patients with ulcerative colitis. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 49(8), 1040-1051. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15209.

Abstract:

Background

Decision support tools may facilitate shared decision‐making and improve quality of care.

 

Aim

To assess the effectiveness of a decision support tool on improving quality of care in ulcerative colitis.

 

Methods

A prospective quality of care intervention was conducted at two Australian hospitals comparing out‐patient–based ulcerative colitis care with, and without, a tablet‐based decision support tool. This included questions on disease activity management; psychological well‐being; and preventive care, with 13 process indicators relevant to each domain. Participants included adult out‐patients with mild‐to‐moderate ulcerative colitis and their clinicians who were divided into two cohorts. The first cohort were followed up immediately after their clinical review to check whether their clinician had discussed the 13 process indicators during the consultation. The second cohort of patients used the decision support tool immediately prior to their consultation which then generated a suggested management plan for the patient and clinician to discuss during the consultation. Management between the 2 cohorts was compared to assess the effectiveness of the decision support tool in improving the primary outcome, defined as the proportion of quality process indicators used for ulcerative colitis care, with and without the decision support tool.

 

Results

Thirteen physicians and 100 patients participated. Fifty patients were managed without the decision support tool using standard care (median age 40; 44% male), and 50 patients used the decision support tool (median age 40; 46% male) over a 20‐week period. Increase in the median use of process indicators overall was observed following use of the decision support tool (27% vs 100%; P < 0.001). Improvements were seen in psychological well‐being management (30% vs 100%; P < 0.001), preventive care (16% vs 100%; P < 0.001) and process indicators related to disease activity management (50% vs 100%; P < 0.001). The decision support tool was found to be usable and acceptable. Shared decision‐making was greater in the post‐intervention group (mean decision conflict score of 18.0 vs 33.5; P = 0.002).

 

Conclusions

The decision support tool substantially improved the quality of the delivery of care. Decision support tools have the potential to minimise errors of omission via a standardised approach to care.

 

URL: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/apt.15209

Tow, K., Rooge, C., Lee, T., Capulti, C., &Knowles, S.R. (2019). Validation of a Digital Support App to Assess Inflammatory Disease Activity and Mental Health Patient Reported Outcomes (PROS): A Pilot Investigation. Gastroenterology Research and Practice. 7618468DOI: https://10.1155/2019/7618468

Abstract:

Background

Real-time collection of mental health and disease activity patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are essential to assist clinicians in delivering optimal holistic health care. The aim of this pilot study was to validate a digital support tool (DST) delivered via a tablet device in an outpatient setting to assess IBD activity and psychological distress.

 

Methods

48 individuals (26 females; average age: 40.04) with IBD completed the DST and a paper-based survey in a hospital IBD outpatient setting. PROs for disease activity and psychological distress (Kessler K10) were compared to paper-based gold-standard measures of disease activity (Partial Mayo Index or Harvey Bradshaw Index completed by the clinician) and psychological distress (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale; completed by the patient). Patient feedback regarding usability and acceptance of the DST was also collected.

 

Results

DST patient-derived disease activity scores were significantly correlated with clinician assessment of disease activity (p < 0.01). Patient DST-derived psychological well-being scores were also significantly correlated with the gold-standard measure of psychological distress (p < 0.05). Patients found the DST to be easy to use and identified a willingness to follow through with the recommendations provided by the DST in relation to their psychological distress scores.

 

Conclusions

The pilot study demonstrates the value in collecting disease activity and psychological distress PROs via a DST in an outpatient setting. Disease activity and psychological distress PROs were found to correlate significantly with gold standard measures. The findings provide preliminary support for the value of embedding digital technology into clinical care to promote patient engagement and optimal holistic healthcare.

 

URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6398025/

Kuoch, K.L.J., Austin, D.W., & Knowles, S.R. (2019). Latest thinking on Paruresis and Parcopresis: A new distinct diagnostic entity? The Australian Journal of General Practice, 48(4).

Abstract:

Background

Paruresis and parcopresis are psychogenic conditions that involve a difficulty or inability to void or defecate, respectively, in a public setting (eg public restroom). Both conditions are associated with significant psychological distress. As a result of shame, embarrassment and stigma, individuals with these conditions may not actively identify behaviours or symptoms or seek treatment in general practitioner (GP) consultations.

Objective

The objective of this article is to provide a summary of the associated psychopathology and comorbidity, and diagnostic challenges associated with paruresis and parcopresis. Treatment recommendations relating to paruresis and parcopresis are also provided.

Discussion

Paruresis and parcopresis can have a significant impact on an individual’s psychological health and overall quality of life. GPs play a part in identifying these conditions, defusing feelings of shame and embarrassment, and enabling access to psychological interventions, which are likely to provide significant benefits to individuals living with paruresis and/or parcopresis.

 
URL: https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2019/april/latest-thinking-on-paruresis-and-parcopresis