The STARS Dietitian First Gastroenterology Clinic is an alternative pathway of care to provide patients faster access to specialist outpatient care by diverting appropriate referrals from gastroenterology wait lists. In this service, an Accredited Practising Dietitian is the first point of contact for the assessment and management of functional gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain and reflux.<\/p>\n
The Dietitian works to full scope of practice, including interpreting and ordering pathology. This Dietitian led model of care is effective in reducing gastroenterology wait lists, results in significant reduction in symptom severity following dietary management and has high levels of patient satisfaction. There is an established pathway of escalation to the Gastroenterologist for patients who are identified with concerning clinical features and\/or abnormal pathology, noting that this occurs infrequently, and most patients are effectively discharged back to the GP following diet and lifestyle management.<\/p>\n
The STARS Dietitian First Gastroenterology Clinic is a telehealth (videoconferencing) service, therefore we are able to facilitate timely access to care for patients across Queensland, within the comfort of their own home or workplace.<\/p>\n"}]},{"other_content":[{"heading":"","content":"
The eligibility criteria for the STARS Dietitian First Gastroenterology is below:<\/p>\n
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There are established referral pathways within Metro North (for patients residing in Royal Brisbane and Women\u2019s Hospital catchment and the Caboolture Hospital catchment) as well as West Moreton Health Service and Wide Bay Health Service. If you would like to request more information about the service, including how to refer, please use the contact us form on this page.<\/p>\n"}]},{"other_content":[{"heading":"Links to key literature","content":"