The Better Understanding and Recognition of the Disconnects, Experiences, and Needs of Patients with Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (BURDEN-CIC) Study: Results of an Online Questionnaire

INTRODUCTION: There is limited literature comparing the experiences and attitudes of patients with chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) to those of healthcare professionals (HCPs) treating CIC patients. The BURDEN-CIC study was conducted to better understand the experiences and ongoing needs of CIC patients and to assess their alignment versus disconnection with the perceptions and needs of HCPs who treat CIC patients. METHODS: The BURDEN-CIC study was an author-developed, online questionnaire that used KnowledgePanel(®) to survey individuals with CIC (n = 1223). HCPs who treat CIC patients were recruited separately and participated in a complementary online questionnaire (n = 331). RESULTS: Most patients had used (58%) or were using (51%) over-the-counter treatments for their CIC, with only 16% currently on prescription therapy. More than half (59%) of current CIC prescription users were not satisfied/completely satisfied with their current chronic treatment. Many patients (42%) felt frustrated regarding their CIC, and a similar percentage (40%) expressed acceptance that CIC was part of their daily life. The majority of HCPs agreed that CIC patients were frustrated (72%), stressed (50%), or fed up (43%) with current treatment options but were relatively unaware (21%) that patients were accepting of their CIC. HCPs reported the greatest challenges in treating CIC patients as response rates to current therapies (55%), treatment adherence (55%), management of treatment-related diarrhea (34%), and lack of treatment options (34%). CONCLUSION: BURDEN-CIC identified that many patients and HCPs are frustrated and not satisfied with current CIC treatments due to lack of efficacy and side effects, such as diarrhea. The survey identified that many patients are “accepting” of their disease, potentially compromising treatment outcomes. More dialogue is needed between HCPs and CIC patients, especially regarding management of treatment expectations and side effects. Further, additional treatment options would be useful for both patients and HCPs. FUNDING: Synergy Pharmaceuticals Inc.