Multidisciplinary approach is key to best treatment of IBD

Crohn’s & Colitis UK are working closely with Dr Barrett on how GPs can be supported to recognise potential Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and to ensure that people with IBD are seen quickly by a specialist when needed.

The article addresses several issues including how diagnosing IBD can be difficult as the symptoms often overlap with several other conditions and the pattern of symptoms is not always consistent, particularly in children. 

It offers an example primary care pathway for patients with abdominal symptoms and recommends widespread adoption of faecal calprotectin testing to help doctors distinguish between IBD and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. This should support prompt and appropriate referral to the specialist team for those who are most likely to have IBD and reduce unnecessary colonoscopies for those who do not.

GPs are a part of the multidisciplinary team which is needed to support patients and their families. Specialist IBD nurses are also a key component of this team and can facilitate good coordination between primary and secondary care throughout the patient's lifetime.

Crohn’s & Colitis UK are working with an expert advisory group, including the Primary Care Society for Gastroenterology to develop tools and support for GPs to enable them to more effectively identify people who may have Inflammatory Bowel Disease and to refer, support and treat them appropriately, within agreed guidelines.