Why is it important?

How do you ensure effective coordinated care and holistic support for people with IBD, especially when newly diagnosed? One important step is to inform GPs promptly with details of the diagnosis and care plan.

This will ensure that GPs can act appropriately if there are any issues with prescribed medication and can support repeat prescriptions and monitoring requirements. They will also be able to avoid potential interactions with medication not related to IBD.

Adjusting to the diagnosis of IBD can have a psychological as well as a physical impact. This is also where GPs play an important role, as they can facilitate referral to community services that support emotional wellbeing. They can also work with the IBD team to prescribe and monitor medication (with shared care protocols where appropriate). In this way, GPs can also support people to return to education, work or normal family life as soon as possible.

Guidance and further information

• RCGP and Crohn’s & Colitis UK IBD Toolkit
• Co-ordinated care for people with complex chronic conditions: Key lessons and markers for success, The King’s Fund
• NHS England: The interface between primary and secondary care: Key messages for NHS clinicians and managers

Personalised care for people with long-term conditions: A changing GP approach