Why is it important?
IBD has serious ramifications on a patient’s quality of life, in ways that extend beyond the gut. Key symptoms can include pain, fatigue, comorbidities, mental health, extra-intestinal manifestations, continence, and sexual function. In order to say we are truly providing holistic care, we need to be addressing the full range of symptoms affecting patients, making sure to give full consideration to what is of highest importance to the patient. This requires a multidisciplinary approach to investigating and managing patients’ symptoms, including pharmacological, non-pharmacological, dietary, and psychological interventions where appropriate.
We know this is an area that still requires improvement. Despite the prevalence of pain and fatigue in patients with IBD, only half of adults participating in the 2023 IBD Patient Survey reported being asked about pain as part of their care, while 37% were asked about fatigue. Even less were asked about their mental health, at 20%. More broadly, only 31% of adults with IBD reported being asked about conditions beyond their gut.