A qualitative interview study published in the American Journal of Infection Control examines the pre-FMT, during FMT, and post-FMT aspects of health for 17 participants.
Throughout the pre-FMT period, many patients reported physical symptoms (continuous diarrhea and weight loss), mental symptoms (depression, wanting to die and fear), quality of life issues (unable to perform normal activities), social support and financial health concerns (medication costs). Patients also faced barriers such as disappointing provider awareness and resistance to FMT.
During FMT, participants “commented on lack of a so-called ick factor,” the researchers wrote. Following FMT, participants reported symptom relief, but some residual fears.
“Participants could have benefited from having undergone FMT sooner, demonstrating a need for improvement in provider education and health system barriers regarding FMT,” concluded the study.
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