Why is it important?
People with suspected IBD should be referred for specialist assessment. This should happen using local referral pathways by a GP directly to a defined specialist (consultant gastroenterologist or consultant paediatric gastroenterologist) in an age-appropriate IBD service. This means that a diagnosis can be made without delay and treatment options can be discussed.
Specialist assessment means that a range of investigations can be used to diagnose possible IBD. These include clinical evaluation and a combination of biochemical, endoscopic, radiological and histological investigations.
A delay in assessment and diagnosis can lead to complications and affect quality of life. Referred patients should be seen in clinic or attend a ‘straight to test’ procedure within four weeks of referral to enable best outcomes. Some people with suspected IBD, who have severe symptoms, will require specialist assessment more urgently. For many, this isn’t happening. We know from the 2024 IBD UK Report that three quarters of IBD services report adults with suspected IBD waiting for more than four weeks to be seen by a specialist, with one in ten reporting waiting times between 7-12 months.
People with any of the following symptoms that have been present for at least 6 weeks should be suspected of having IBD:
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Bloating
- Change in bowel habit (such as diarrhoea with or without rectal bleeding).
If someone is experiencing severe symptoms, IBD might be suspected before the symptoms have been present for 6 weeks, and earlier referral may be needed.