Date: {{$ActivityAssignDate}}

Dear Dr. {{$doctorName}},

Subject: Real World Survey to understand the overlap GERD condition through knowledge, attitude, and practice along with the prescription behavior of physicians in India

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are common conditions with an overall prevalence burden estimated at approximately one-third of the population. These represent a heterogeneous group of conditions that may include both abnormal symptom perception and functional causes and seems to share similar trigger factors as food, lifestyle, and psychological factor.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) develops when the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus leads to troublesome symptoms, with or without mucosal involvement. Symptoms from the gastrointestinal tract are often diffuse, uncharacteristic, and with varying severity, but can have serious consequences for individuals affected by them.

GERD, functional dyspepsia (FD), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are common conditions in the general population with significant implications for the individual’s daily living which along with a few more associated conditions is seen in the overlap of GERD and FGID. The healthcare system is contacted by patients with the most severe symptoms. The patients experiencing an overlap of two or more of these conditions are likely to be the most affected and thereby more likely to contact the healthcare system.

In many cases, it is possible to diagnose overlapping conditions with GERD with symptom-based diagnostic criteria, which might prevent the risk of harm from unnecessary investigations by the medical system. To use symptom-based criteria, universally accepted definitions and classifications are essential.

This cross-sectional study is designed to understand the overlap of GERD and FGID through knowledge, attitude, and practice along with the prescription behavior of physicians in India.

If you agree to participate, you will need to provide responses to the study questionnaire.

We hope you will consent to participate in this study. If you do, please sign and return the enclosed reply along with your visiting card for the accuracy of records.