Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2022 Dec;51(4):711-721.doi: 10.1016/j.gtc.2022.07.002.

Sarah W Kinsinger ¹

Author information

¹Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Loyola University Medical Center, 2160 South First Avenue, Building 54, Room 167, Maywood, IL 60153, USA. Electronic address: Sarah.Kinsinger@lumc.edu.

Abstract

Integrated models of care for chronic digestive conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), are becoming the standard of care and require patients to have access to brain-gut behavior therapies. Further progress is needed to implement this approach across GI practice settings and will require gastroenterologists to build collaborative relationships with GI Psychologists. This review provides guidance on practical steps for integrating brain-gut behavior therapy into a GI practice, including guidance on assessing patients for their appropriateness for referral, effective communication strategies to recommend brain-gut behavior therapy, and tips on how to develop a referral pathway and successful collaboration with a GI Psychologist.