The NICE quality standard for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Statement 1 - People with suspected Inflammatory Bowel Disease have a specialist assessment within 4 weeks of referral
Statement 2 - Services provide age-appropriate support from a multidisciplinary team for people with Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and their family members or carers
Statement 3 - People who need surgery for Inflammatory Bowel Disease have it undertaken by a colorectal surgeon who is a core member of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease multidisciplinary team
Statement 4 - People receiving drug treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Disease are monitored for adverse effects
The NICE quality standard draws on the IBD Standards, that have been developed by a range of patient and professional organisations, led by Crohn’s and Colitis UK. There were produced in 2009 (and updated in 2013) for IBD service providers, managers and commissioners to define what good quality care should look like and how it should be delivered.
What does this mean?
The Health and Social Care Act 2012 sets out a clear expectation that the care system should consider NICE quality standards in planning and delivering services, as part of a general duty to secure continuous improvement in quality.
It addresses many issues that we know need to be improved, including:
- Getting from GP to specialist as quickly as possible when symptoms start occurring
- Having support from a joined-up team of people, including gastroenterologists, colorectal surgeons, clinical nurse specialists, dietitian and pharmacist, with access to essential supporting services, including a psychologist or counsellor, rheumatologist, opthalmologist, dermatologist, obstetrician, nutrition support team and general practice
- Responding appropriately to all possible queries and concerns about living with the condition, treatments, education and employment, etc., through signposting to reliable and accurate information on a broad range of topics or having access to a dedicated telephone or email service where people can raise concerns or questions.
- Regular reviews and effective coordination between GPs and hospital teams for monitoring, with clear access to urgent care are also highlighted
- Colorectal surgeons should be a core member of the IBD team to ensure the best surgical outcomes
What you can do
- Read the quality standard so that you are aware of what NICE is saying should be delivered.
- Ask for information about your IBD service, who is in the team and if there is a telephone or email line for queries and concerns, if you do not have this already.
- Look out for a new resource we are currently developing, based on the IBD Standards, that aims to help you get the best from your health service – this should be available in May and we will ensure it is widely circulated.
