Background Chronic gastroduodenal disorders including chronic nausea and vomiting syndrome, gastroparesis, and functional dyspepsia, are challenging to diagnose and manage. The diagnostic and treatment pathways for these disorders are complex, costly and overlap substantially; however, experiences of this pathway have not been thoroughly investigated. This study therefore aimed to explore clinician and patient perspectives on the current clinical pathway. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted between June 2020 and June 2022 with 11 patients with chronic nausea and vomiting syndrome alone or with functional dyspepsia (based on Rome IV criteria) and nine gastroenterologists who treat these conditions. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed using an iterative, inductive approach. Results Five key patient themes were identified: (1) the impacts of their chronic gastroduodenal symptoms, (2) the complexity of the clinical journey, (3) their interactions with healthcare providers, (4) the need for advocacy, and (5) their experience of treatments. Five key clinician themes were also identified: (1) these conditions were seen as clinically complex, (2) there is an uncertain and variable clinical pathway, (3) the nuance of investigations, (4) these conditions were difficult to therapeutically manage, and (5) there are barriers to developing a therapeutic relationship. Conclusions Findings indicate that both patients and clinicians are dissatisfied with the current clinical care pathways for nausea and vomiting syndromes and functional dyspepsia. Recommendations included the development of more clinically relevant and discriminant tests, standardization of the diagnostic journey, and the adoption of a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment.

GOG and AAG hold grants and intellectual property in the field of gastrointestinal electrophysiology and are Directors in Alimetry Ltd. GOG is a Director in The Insides Company and CK is a medical advisor for The Insides Company. GS, ML, SC, CNA, and CD are members of Alimetry Ltd. CD was also an interviewee in this study; however, was not involved in the data analysis or interpretation process. The remaining authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

This study was funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand.

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The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below:

Auckland Health Research Ethics Committee of The University of Auckland gave ethical approval for this work (AH1352).

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The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author [CK], upon reasonable request.