The patient experience of Faecal microbiota transplantation: A systematic review

Ms Jessica Guilfoyle¹, Professor Julie  Considine^1,2,3, Dr Stéphane Bouchoucha^1,3

¹Deakin University
²Deakin University Eastern Health Partnership
³Deakin University Institute for Health Transformation

Introduction

Faecal microbiota transplantation is a common treatment for Clostridium Difficile infections. Patients’ experience of treatments is an important influence on clinical decision-making and treatment adherence, yet it is often overlooked when investigating FMT for C Diff.

Methods

A systematic review of published literature following the PRISMA guidelines. The review was registered with PROSPERO [CRD42020140446]. The Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Medline and Embase were searched for studies published in English and French. Risk of bias was examined using Critical Appraisal Skills Program tools, and quality appraisal was performed independently by three reviewers. Primary outcome of interest was the patient experience of faecal microbiota transplantation. Data were synthesised using a narrative approach.

Results

Of the 3316 citations identified, 12 studies were included. Studies were assessed as being of moderate to low quality. Only one study was identified where the sole focus was the patients’ experience. In addition, few studies have accurately explored the patients’ experience of faecal microbiota transplantation, most focus on clinical outcomes or hypothetical scenarios regarding the patients’ perspectives of faecal microbiota transplantation. Patient’s experience of faecal microbiota transplantation was found to be diverse and complex, with physiological and psychological components dependent on the patient’s medical condition, the administration method, and the efficacy.

Conclusion

Patients did not find faecal microbiota transplantation unappealing or disgusting, however, patients reported the procedural experience as unpleasant. Limited results and low-quality evidence suggest that further evaluation of the patient experience of faecal microbiota transplantation would be beneficial.

Biography:

Dr Stephane Bouchoucha is Associate Head of School at Deakin University, School of Nursing and Midwifery. He has over 25 years experience as a clinician and academic.