IBD Standards 2026

We are pleased to share the launch of the updated 2026 IBD Standards.

The aim of the IBD Standards is to remove variation in care. They’re designed to support services to reflect on current practice and to focus on Quality Improvement activity, where it can have the greatest impact, both nationally and locally.

We want to encourage services reflect on current practice, what they do well and to focus on Quality Improvement activity, where it can have the greatest impact, both nationally and locally.

This is the second set of IBD Standards to be published since the formation of the IBD UK Alliance. As with the 2019 Standards, they provide a framework for what high-quality should look like at every point of a patient’s journey – from first symptoms, to diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care.

Explore the 7 sections of the IBD Standards in more detail below, or you can download a full copy of the IBD Standards here: 2026 IBD Standards PDF

To find out more about how the 2026 IBD Standards were updated, as well as details on what changes have been made, read our FAQs here: Frequently Asked Questions

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Section 1: The IBD service

Everyone living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease should have safe, consistent, high quality, personalised care. A well-organised and managed local Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) service is essential to delivering this.
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Section 2: Pre-diagnosis

Everyone with IBD should receive an early and accurate diagnosis of their condition. This will mean they get the treatment and support they need sooner and be better able to manage their condition.
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Section 3: Newly diagnosed

It’s essential to get the right treatment and support in place for newly diagnosed patients with IBD. This will give them the best outcomes and help them adjust to living with the condition.
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Section 4: Flare management

When people with IBD experience a flare, they must be able recognise it – and access the right specialist advice and treatment to manage it as quickly as possible.
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Section 5: Surgery

Patient outcomes are better when IBD surgery is timely, led by surgeons with the right expertise, and with effective multidisciplinary working. It’s important that patients fully understand their options and are offered psychological support.
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Section 6: Inpatient care

For the best outcomes and experience, inpatients with IBD should be admitted to a specialist ward with appropriate facilities and specialist review. They should receive a holistic assessment and be offered appropriate services and support as a result. On discharge, they should have clear information and coordination of care.
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Section 7: Ongoing care & monitoring

As IBD is a fluctuating, lifelong condition, people need ongoing care to live well with their condition. A personalised care plan will empower patients, support self-management and help primary and secondary care communicate effectively.
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IBD Standards 2026 - FAQs