Background Evidence suggests that dietary interventions can improve symptoms in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), although most data explore the short‐term (immediate) impact. Data on long‐term (>6 months) impact are limited, especially from primary care settings. The present study aimed to investigate the long‐term effect of dietetic‐led interventions for IBS delivered in primary care. Methods A service evaluation of a dietetic‐led IBS clinic was completed, analysing data on symptom severity, stool frequency and consistency, and healthcare input. Data were collected before and immediately after dietary intervention as part of patients’ routine clinical appointments. Long‐term data were collected via a postal questionnaire at least 11 months later. Results In total, 211 patients responded to the long‐term follow‐up questionnaire at a median of 13 months (interquartile range 12–16 months) post follow‐up appointment. Of these, 84% had been advised to follow a low FODMAP (i.e., fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols carbohydrates) diet. All symptoms were reported significantly less frequently short term, and all except heartburn and acid regurgitation remained so over the long term. The four most commonly reported bowel symptoms reduced in frequency were abdominal pain (62%), bloating (50%), increased wind (48%) and urgency to open bowels (49%) (p < 0.001). The percentage of patients reporting satisfactory relief of gut symptoms was 10% at baseline and 55% at long‐term follow‐up (p < 0.001). Visits to a general practitioner were reduced (from 96% to 34%; p < 0.001), as were those to the gastroenterologist (from 37% to 12%; p = 0.002), during the year prior to long‐term follow‐up compared to the year prior to dietary intervention. Conclusions Patients with IBS who received dietetic‐led interventions in primary care reported long‐term symptoms improvements that may result in reduced healthcare usage.

Background Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder. International research suggests dietary intervention as a first‐line approach, although dietetic services are struggling to cope with demand. Digital technology may offer a solution to deliver appropriate patient education. The present study aimed to assess the feasibility, acceptability and cost efficiency of using webinars to deliver first‐line IBS advice to patients as part of a dietetic‐led gastroenterology service in primary care. Methods Patients were directed to an IBS First Line Advice webinar on a specialist NHS website. Data were collected from patients pre‐ and post‐webinar use using an online survey. Results In total, 1171 attendees completed the pre‐webinar survey and 443 completed the post‐webinar survey. Attendees ranged from under 17 years to over 75 years. Of the attendees, 95% found the webinar easy to access and 91% were satisfied with the content of the webinar. Those with excellent or good knowledge rose from 25% pre‐webinar to 67% post‐webinar, and confidence in managing their condition improved for 74% of attendees. Using the webinars led to a 44% reduction in referrals for one‐to‐one appointments with a specialist dietitian in the first year of use. The value of the clinical time saved is estimated at £3593 per annum. The one‐off cost of creating the webinar was £3597. Conclusions The use of webinars is a feasible, acceptable and cost‐efficient way of delivering first‐line patient education to people suffering with Irritable Bowel Syndrome as part of a dietetic‐led gastroenterology service in primary care.