Primary care diagnostic pathway for lower GI conditions

Putting people on the path to a correct diagnosis

Every day, people throughout the UK visit their GP to find out why they have gut problems. Whether it’s coeliac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, colitis or another condition, getting a diagnosis is not always easy.

If you have problems with your gut, not knowing the steps your GP may take or what will happen next can be stressful. It can also be difficult for healthcare professionals to always know the current best practice.

How we can help

We are a partnership of gut-related charities, healthcare professional organisations and patients. We have come together to improve how people are diagnosed for gut problems.

Whether you’re a healthcare professional, patient or parent of a young person with symptoms, we hope that our information ultimately helps people to get a correct diagnosis quickly, ensuring that they get the care they need.

Our specialist information will include support on:

· When to see a GP

· How to get the best out of medical appointments

· Which conditions the GP may consider

· Tests and investigations that might be needed

· What to do once you have the results

For healthcare professionals, our information will outline the best practices to help patients get a diagnosis for lower gastrointestinal symptoms. This includes:

· Considerations to make when taking a history

· Symptoms people may present with

· Conditions to consider

· Tests and investigations to carry out

· When to make a referral to secondary care

Together, we can make an impact - whatsupwithmygut.org.uk

If you have any questions about this work, or would like to get involved with the project, get in touch at healthservices@crohnsandcolitis.org.uk