A comparison of irritable bowel syndrome patients managed in primary and secondary care: the Episode IBS study.

Background: It is thought that people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) who consult secondary care have more severe symptomatology than those treated mainly in primary care.

Aims: To describe the physical and psychological symptoms of IBS, and the health-related quality of life of patients managed in primary and secondary care.

Design Of Study: Cross-sectional observational survey.