Lack of awareness of neurogastroenterology and motility within medical education: Time to fill the gap

Abstract

Disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBI), previously referred to as functional gastrointestinal disorders, affect 40.3% of adults in the general population and are diagnosed in 34.9% of new adult referrals to secondary care gastroenterology services. Despite their high prevalence, studies published in this issue of Neurogastroenterology and Motility by investigators based in Germany, the UK, and the USA demonstrate a mismatch between the clinical burden of DGBI and their representation in medical school and postgraduate curricula. This review outlines the salient findings of these studies and explores why and how negative perceptions toward DGBI exist, including factors related to misinformation and internalized stigma. The authors propose a selection of strategies to ameliorate physicians' attitudes toward and knowledge of neurogastroenterology and motility including linking trainees with dedicated clinician mentors with an interest in motility, exposing trainees to expert patients who can enhance empathy, extending Balint groups into gastroenterology training, and offering motility apprenticeships in specialist units. Urgent improvements to medical school and postgraduate curricula are required to ensure the longevity of this subspecialty field in gastroenterology, and to ensure the needs of a sizeable proportion of gastroenterology patients are appropriately met.

Optimal Assessment, Treatment, and Monitoring of Adults with Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Strategies to Improve Outcomes

“… 19 Accordingly, an increased awareness of neurogastroenterology and disorders of gut–brain interaction is important in the setting of EoE. 132 Integrating psychological support and cognitive-behavioural techniques can enhance treatment success and adherence. In this regard, patients often adopt dietary and lifestyle changes to manage EoE, impacting their nutrition and quality of life, 133 emphasizing the importance of comprehensive strategies that include dietary, nutritional, and psychosocial evaluations to fully address the complexity of EoE.…”