Why is it important?
We know from the 2023 IBD Patient Survey that access was rated as the joint most important aspect of IBD care for both adults and young people with IBD. For adults, it received a median score of 93 out of 100, with an even higher score of 97 amongst young people.
Part of the definition of ‘access’ in the survey was that it’s easy to make contact with the right members of their IBD team, in the event of clinical queries. It is therefore crucial that patients are provided with clear information, available in multiple formats, about how, when, and who to contact for queries about their IBD and/or medicines. This should include access to an IBD Advice Line and signposting to relevant patient organisations they can seek out for further information and support.
All information provided to patients should follow the principles of accessibility highlighted throughout the IBD Standards.