P113 - EXPLORING UK DIETITIANS’ PERSPECTIVES ON GASTROPARESIS MANAGEMENT AND ITS OVERLAP WITH EATING DISORDERS

P113

EXPLORING UK DIETITIANS’ PERSPECTIVES ON GASTROPARESIS MANAGEMENT AND ITS OVERLAP WITH EATING DISORDERS

G. Fagan^1,2,*, D. E. Bear^1,2, M. C. Lomer^1,2

¹Nutritional Sciences, King's College London, ²Nutrition and Dietetics, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom

Rationale: Guidelines recommend that gastroparesis (Gp) is managed primarily with diet, however eating disorders (EDs) are reported, presenting unique challenges. The aim of this study was to explore UK dietitians' experiences of managing adult patients with Gp, particularly in relation to EDs.

Methods: A cross-sectional online survey of UK dietitians with experience managing Gp was conducted and distributed via professional networks and social media. The survey explored dietary management strategies and their perceived effectiveness, barriers to implementation, and screening for EDs. Data were analysed descriptively and reported as number(%).

Results: 87 dietitians completed the survey. The most used dietary management strategies in decreasing order were oral nutrition support (78,90%), enteral nutrition (EN) (71,82%), and liquid diet (64,74%). Their perceived effectiveness to improve symptoms and nutritional status (Figure 1) demonstrates EN as the most effective method. Of 72 dietitians with experience providing artificial nutrition support (ANS) in Gp, EDs were cited by 40(56%) of dietitians as a barrier to providing ANS, however, only 15(20%) of all dietitians regularly screen for EDs in Gp patients with weight loss. The main barrier to screening for EDs was the limited availability of mental health (MH) services for onward referral. While 72(83%) of dietitians report MH support is important for patients with Gp, 75(86%) acknowledge that current support is inadequate.

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Conclusion: This survey highlights the variety of approaches used by UK dietitians to manage Gp, however perceived effectiveness of the different strategies to improve symptoms and nutritional status is low. Screening for EDs is inconsistent, with limited MH services cited as a key barrier. These findings demonstrate a need for improved dietary management of Gp, better MH resources, and standardised practices to improve patient care.  

Disclosure of Interest: G. Fagan Grant / Research Support from: NIHR, D. Bear Grant / Research Support from: NIHR, Other: Speaker and consulting fees from Baxter Healthcare , M. Lomer Grant / Research Support from: Crohn's and Colitis UK, GSTT Charity, Guts UK, NIHR, Other: Personal speaker fees from Janssen, Mayoly, Abbvie