Virtual Dietetic Interventions in Patients With Coeliac
This study looks at a new way to help people newly diagnosed with coeliac disease learn to manage their condition. Coeliac disease is a serious issue where gluten (found in wheat, barley, rye) harms the body. The only treatment is a strict gluten-free diet. The NHS dietetic services are very busy, meaning some people wait a long time for support or don't get any at all. Researchers are testing if an online, pre-recorded video presentation, led by dietitians, can be as good as a usual one-on-one appointment (either in person or over the phone). Both groups will fill out questionnaires about their diet knowledge, symptoms, and quality of life, and have blood tests. The goal is to see if the video provides equally good care, potentially making it quicker and easier for people across the UK to get essential dietary advice.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This research is looking at better ways to support people who have recently found out they have coeliac disease. Coeliac disease is a condition where eating gluten – a protein found in foods like wheat, barley, and rye – damages your gut. This can cause uncomfortable symptoms and, if not managed, lead to serious health problems over time. The only way to treat coeliac disease is to follow a strict gluten-free diet for life. This can be tricky to learn at first, and most people need help from a dietitian to understand how to do it properly.
Currently, many people in the UK wait a long time to see a dietitian because these services are very busy. To help with this, a team at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals has developed a special online video. This video is led by expert dietitians and is designed to give newly diagnosed patients all the important information they would normally get in their first appointment.
In this study, adults with a recent coeliac disease diagnosis will be split into two groups. One group will watch this new online video for their first dietitian session. The other group will have a standard appointment, either face-to-face or on the phone, with a dietitian. Researchers will then compare how effective both approaches are. They want to see if the online video helps people learn about a gluten-free diet just as well, if they are happy with the support, and if it leads to good health outcomes, like symptom improvement and better overall well-being. If the study shows the video works just as well, it could mean more people get quick and easy access to vital support for their coeliac disease, wherever they are.
Key takeaways
- Tests if an online video can replace traditional dietitian appointments for coeliac disease.
- Aims to make essential dietary support quicker and easier to access.
- Compares diet knowledge, symptoms, and quality of life between treatment groups.
- Participation involves a first appointment, questionnaires, and blood tests over six months.
- Could improve how newly diagnosed coeliac patients receive care across the UK.
Who may be eligible?
To be part of this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or older. You must have been recently diagnosed with coeliac disease, confirmed by your doctor with tests. It's important that you can give your written permission to join the study and that you can understand and speak English.
You also need to be able to access digital resources, like watching the online video if you are in that group. The study isn't suitable if you have other health conditions, such as diabetes or inflammatory bowel disease, that also need a special diet from a dietitian, as this would make it harder to see what difference the coeliac disease support is making.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Have you recently been diagnosed with coeliac disease?
- Can you understand and speak English?
- Can you access resources online (like watching a video on a computer or tablet)?
- Do you not have other health conditions (like diabetes) that require special dietitian input for different diets?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, your involvement will be straightforward. You'll be asked to have your first dietitian appointment through either an online video (webinar) or a traditional face-to-face/phone call. Afterwards, you'll complete a few short questionnaires. These will ask about how much you know about the gluten-free diet, any symptoms you have, how well you're managing to stick to the diet, and your general quality of life. You'll fill out these questionnaires at the start, again shortly after your appointment, and then a final time after six months. You'll also have blood tests at these times to check your health markers. The total duration of your participation, including follow-up, will be six months.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustSheffield, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is the main purpose of this study?
It's comparing an online video to a traditional dietitian appointment to see which is better or equally good at helping people with coeliac disease.
Who can take part in this study?
Adults aged 18 and over who have been newly diagnosed with coeliac disease and can speak English and access online resources.
What will I have to do if I join?
You'll have a dietitian appointment (either online video or traditional), complete some questionnaires about your diet and health, and have blood tests over six months.
How long will I be involved in the study?
Your participation, including follow-up, will last for a total of six months.
Will I still get help for my coeliac disease if I don't join?
Yes, declining to take part will not affect your standard medical care or access to dietetic services.
How to find out more
David S Sanders, MBChB, MD, FRCP, FACG
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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