Quality standard

Quality statement 4: Advice to prevent symptoms

Quality statement 4: Advice to prevent symptoms

Quality statement

Adults with symptomatic gallstone disease who have not had their gallbladder or gallstones removed are advised to avoid food and drink that triggers their symptoms.

Rationale

Certain food and drink may trigger symptoms of gallstone disease, such as pain and discomfort. Adults with gallstone disease should be advised to avoid food and drink that triggers their symptoms while they are waiting for treatment. In addition, some adults may be not be able to have treatment (for example because they are unwell), and should be given dietary advice to reflect this.

Quality measures

Structure

Evidence of local arrangements and written clinical protocols to ensure that adults with symptomatic gallstone disease who have not had their gallbladder or gallstones removed are advised to avoid food and drink that triggers their symptoms.

Data source: Local data collection.

Process

Proportion of adults with symptomatic gallstone disease who have not had their gallbladder or gallstones removed who are advised to avoid food and drink that triggers their symptoms.

Numerator – the number in the denominator who are advised to avoid food and drink that triggers their symptoms.

Denominator – the number of adults with symptomatic gallstone disease who have not had their gallbladder or gallstones removed.

Data source: Local data collection.

Outcome

a) Patient experience.

Data source: Local data collection.

b) Quality of life for adults with gallstone disease.

Data source: Local data collection.

What the quality statement means for service providers, healthcare professionals and commissioners

Service providers (such as primary and secondary care services) ensure that systems are in place for adults with symptomatic gallstone disease who have not had their gallbladder or gallstones removed to be advised to avoid food and drink that triggers their symptoms.

Healthcare professionals (such as GPsand gastroenterologists) advise adults with symptomatic gallstone disease who have not had their gallbladder or gallstones removed to avoid food and drink that triggers their symptoms. Healthcare professionals should document the advice that is given.

Commissioners (such as NHS England area teams and clinical commissioning groups) ensure that they commission services that make sure adults with symptomatic gallstone disease who have not had their gallbladder or gallstones removed are advised to avoid food and drink that triggers their symptoms.

What the quality statement means for patients and carers

Adults with symptomatic gallstone disease who have not had their gallbladder or gallstones removed are advised by their healthcare professional to avoid any food or drink that triggers their symptoms.

Source guidance

Definitions of terms used in this quality statement

Advice

Any advice given by a healthcare professional should include both oral and written information.

[Patient experience in adult NHS services (NICE guideline CG138) recommendation 1.5.12]

Equality and diversity considerations

Advice about gallstone disease should take into account any additional needs, such as physical, sensory or learning disabilities, and adults who do not speak English. Adults should have access to an interpreter or advocate if needed.

Healthcare professionals should also be aware that certain cultural groups may be more likely to eat food and drink that may trigger symptoms of gallstone disease. People who are homeless may also be less able to avoid certain food and drink.