Provider Beliefs, Practices, and Perceived Barriers to Dietary Elimination Therapy in Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Despite effective dietary treatments, physicians prefer medications for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).

METHODS: We conducted a web-based survey of providers to assess the perceived effectiveness, practice patterns, and barriers to EoE dietary therapy.

RESULTS: Providers view diet as the least effective treatment. The greatest barrier was the belief that patients are disinterested and unlikely to adhere (58%). With less access to dietitians (56%), non-academic providers often manage diets without dietitian guidance (41%).

CONCLUSIONS: Given high patient acceptance for diets and multiple treatment options for EoE, clinicians need evidence-based knowledge on EoE diets, access to dietitians, and awareness of patient preferences.