Why is it important?
Many people are waiting too long for an Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) diagnosis. According to a survey by Crohn’s & Colitis UK almost half of patients take one year to get diagnosed – with nearly one in five people waiting over five years.
This is distressing for patients, who face painful and debilitating symptoms without a name – or effective treatment – for their condition.
And it’s damaging for the NHS. Delayed diagnosis results in higher likelihood of surgery, more expensive treatments, and a poorer prognosis1.
Some GPs find it difficult to identify potential IBD, as the symptoms often overlap with other conditions, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and can be atypical, especially in children2. This is where referral pathways can help. Clear pathways and protocols, including the use of faecal biomarkers in adults, can speed up diagnosis and lead to better patient outcomes. Children should be referred to the nearest specialist children's service.
