Allergan plc announced the formation of the IBS CounSEL, a group of multidisciplinary experts dedicated to improving diagnosis and management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by providing Support, Education and Leadership (SEL) to physicians and allied healthcare professionals. The IBS CounSEL launched their new website at the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) Annual Scientific Meeting from October 14-19, 2016 in Las Vegas.

IBS is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder associated with disturbances of intestinal motility, sensation, and secretion, resulting in recurrent abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits.

This chronic disorder affects an estimated 35 million Americans and is associated with impaired quality of life, significant disability and emotional distress, and high healthcare costs.

The American Gastroenterological Association's recent "IBS in America" survey found that when physicians were asked what is lacking most in the treatment of IBS, the second-most-common answer was communication between doctors and patients. With this in mind, Allergan looked to bring together healthcare professionals to develop practical tools and provide expert guidance for physicians and allied healthcare professionals in the diagnosis and management of IBS.

"The IBS CounSEL was created to fill the necessary need for continued informed dialogue between IBS patients and their physicians," said Dr. Susan Lucak, Chair of The IBS CounSEL. "It's important in any medical discipline that we continue to hone our craft based on the latest information available. The IBS CounSEL is a group of healthcare professionals who are looking to do just that."

As part of their commitment to improving IBS education, the organization developed an interactive website. In addition to providing disease-state information, simple downloadable resources are available through diagnosis and management toolkits.