RELIEF-pathway in Patients With Upper Abdominal Pain

Launched by RADBOUD UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · Aug 15, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The RELIEF trial is studying a new online education program designed to help people who experience upper abdominal pain (UAP). This type of pain can be caused by conditions like functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or gallstones, which often have similar symptoms. The goal of the trial is to see if this web-based tool, combined with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, can reduce unnecessary medical procedures and improve patients' quality of life.

To participate in the trial, you need to be between 18 and 70 years old and have been referred for upper abdominal pain due to one of the mentioned conditions. It's important that you can read and understand Dutch, as the program will be provided in that language. Participants will receive education through the online tool and may also visit a clinic focused on prevention and lifestyle changes. However, there are some health conditions that would exclude you from participating, such as serious ongoing health issues or a history of certain cancers. If you’re interested in learning more or think you might qualify, please talk to your healthcare provider!

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients between 18 and 70 years old.
• • First referral due to upper abdominal pain (UAP) and symptoms due to Functional dyspepsia (ICPC code 87.02), Irritable Bowel syndrome (ICPC 93.0) or uncomplicated symptomatic cholecystolithiasis (ICPC 98.03).
• • Proficient in reading and understanding of the Dutch language.
• • Referred to the outpatient clinic of gastroenterology or surgery.
• • Providing informed consent.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • If the following alarm symptoms are reported in the referral letter by the GP: weight loss, persistent vomiting, dysphagia, jaundice, hematemesis, melena, haematochezia, or anaemia.
• • Any other direct or indirect signs of cancer or upper GI tract bleeding.
• • Patients with a first or second-degree relative with a history of upper GI tract malignant neoplasm.
• • Patients with a history of complicated cholecystolithiasis.
• • A history of or current malignancy (except SCC or BCC of the skin).
• • Pregnancy;
• • Expected short life span of less than 12 months.
• • Known cirrhosis of the liver
• • Current schizophrenia, memory deficiency, or any other disorder that predispose them to unreliable questionnaire responses;
• • Mentally incompetent;