Roles of healthcare professionals in the management of chronic gastrointestinal diseases with a focus on primary care: A systematic review

• Published in: JGH open Vol. 4; no. 2; pp. 221 - 229
• Main Authors: Prasad, Sharmila S, Potter, Michael, Keely, Simon, Talley, Nicholas J, Walker, Marjorie M, Kairuz, Therése
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Melbourne Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd 01.04.2020; John Wiley & Sons, Inc; Wiley
• Subjects: Bibliographic data bases; Celiac disease; Chronic illnesses; Dietitians; Gastroenterology; gastrointestinal; Gastrointestinal diseases; Grey literature; healthcare professional; Inflammatory bowel disease; Irritable bowel syndrome; Original; Pharmacists; Primary care; Professionals; Quality of life; Roles; Search strategies; Studies; Systematic review; United Kingdom > UK; Australia; gastrointestinal; primary care; healthcare professional; inflammatory bowel disease
• ISSN: 2397-9070; 2397-9070
• DOI: 10.1002/jgh3.12235

Background and aim Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to a group of complex and chronic conditions that requires long‐term care delivered by a group of healthcare professionals through a multidisciplinary care model. We conducted a systematic review to examine and understand the role of healthcare professionals in the primary care management of IBD, and identify the gaps in IBD management that could be filled by primary care providers such as general practitioners (GPs) and pharmacists. Methods The search strategy retrieved published studies from five databases, and eligible articles were assessed for quality. A gray literature search of the websites of organizations was also undertaken. Results Twenty‐one studies were included, of which 19 were peer‐reviewed research articles and two reports were from organizational bodies. Although studies have shown the roles of GPs, pharmacists, dietitians, and psychologists in IBD management, nurses and gastroenterologists were the key drivers delivering specialized care to IBD patients. Many key services are accessible only for hospital inpatients (tertiary care) or through outpatient clinics (secondary care) with an absence of a multidisciplinary approach including GPs and pharmacists. Conclusion Gastroenterologists and nurses have an important role in the delivery of care to patients with chronic gastrointestinal diseases including IBD, coeliac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and functional dyspepsia. The role of nurses includes provision of specialized care to IBD patients, as well as supportive care such as education, monitoring of therapy, and ongoing assistance. The available evidence shows many opportunities for primary care providers to play a more active role in the management of IBD patients. Although the review showed the roles of general practitioners (GPs), pharmacists, dietitians, and psychologists in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) management, nurses and gastroenterologists were the key drivers delivering specialized care to IBD patients. Many key services are accessible only for hospital inpatients (tertiary care) or through outpatient clinics (secondary care) with an absence of a multidisciplinary approach including GPs and pharmacists. The available evidence shows opportunities for primary care providers to play a more active role in the management of IBD patients.