The GI community continues to work in unprecedented times caused by impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients have seen increased prevalence and flare-ups of GI-related symptoms due to increased stress and anxiety along with changes in dietary and exercise habits, while providers have had to navigate changes to the healthcare delivery model.
As we wrap up 2021 and look ahead to 2022, our gastroenterology experts examined the latest clinical information on timely topics impacting the diagnosis and treatment of patients with functional GI disorders. The hour-long panel discussion and Q&A focused on timely themes and new research presented at the ACG 2021 Annual Scientific Meeting as well as perspectives on what’s to come in 2022.
The expert gastroenterologist panel included:
- Brennan Spiegel, MD, MSHS | Cedars-Sinai
- Kavita R. Kongara, MD | Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates
- William Chey, MD | Michigan Medicine
- Darren Brenner, MD | Northwestern Medicine
The webinar was moderated by:
- Ceciel T. Rooker, President of the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD)
- Craig Strasnick, President and CEO of Commonwealth Diagnostics International, Inc.
The recording for the webinar is now available as well as additional resources presented by the panelists during the discussion:
Highlights from our Expert GI Panel
- Dr. Chey summarized the lecture he presented at ACG 2021 on megatrends in GI, which included nutrition, behavioral health, and integrated care.
- Dr. Spiegel discussed new research on the implications of COVID-19 on GI patients, including a nearly 10% increase in IBS prevalence compared to baseline studies conducted pre-COVID.
- Dr. Kongara expanded on several topics, including the practicality of integrated care for GI practices and changes to practice management and patient care due to COVID-19.
- Dr. Brenner reviewed new ACG guidelines for IBS, emphasizing a positive diagnostic strategy and new treatment options and therapies, including a low FODMAP diet, behavioral intervention, and other global therapies.
- All panelists weighed in on new tools, techniques, and technology advancements that will support the diagnostic and treatment of functional GI disorders in the future. Discussion included gut-directed psychotherapies, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), telemedicine, virtual and augmented reality, at-home diagnostic tools, and virtual care platforms.
Webinar Recording
Webinar Recording Guide
0:00 Welcome and Moderator Intros
3:12 Panelist Intros
7:29 Megatrends in GI: Nutrition, Behavioral Health, and Integrated Care (Dr. Chey)
12:10 GI Practice Approach to Integrated Care (Dr. Kongara)
16:57 Audience Question on Integrated GI (Dr. Chey)
19:36 COVID-19’s Impact on GI Patients (Dr. Spiegel)
23:22 Practical Implications of COVID-19 (Dr. Kongara)
29:30 New Therapy Guidelines (Dr. Brenner)
36:00 Audience Question on Guidelines for Probiotics (Dr. Brenner)
38:30 Audience Question on Tools Used as part of Treatment Plans (All Panelists)
46:30 Audience Question on Telehealth and Liability (Dr. Kongara and Dr. Brenner)
51:00 Technology Advancements in GI (All Panelists)
1:00:30 Wrap-Up & Thank You’s
Continue your education and find more resources here!
Provider Resources for Functional GI Diagnostics
MyGiHealth Patient Education Center and Symptom Tracker App
