Why is it important?
Endoscopy, imaging and histology play an essential role in the diagnosis, management, prognosis and surveillance of IBD.
We know that any delay in assessment and diagnosis, or timely intervention, can lead to complications and affect someone’s quality of life. What’s more, severe symptoms require urgent specialist assessment – and, depending on clinical need, this might include an emergency hospital admission. No one with suspected IBD should wait more than 6 weeks from referral for a specialist assessment. Equally, prompt and effective flare management is very important.
All this only underlines the importance of accessing investigations (and their results) in the right timeframe. It’s an essential step in ensuring that the right treatment is put in place as quickly as possible for the best outcomes.
Referral pathways will help reduce inappropriate referrals for endoscopy, and free up slots for those who need them more urgently.
Investigations should always take place in an age-appropriate, specialist setting. Where clinically appropriate, radiological investigations should aim to prioritise the use of MRI and ultrasound, as they do not involve ionising radiation. In acute scenarios, CT scanning may be appropriate to avoid unnecessary delay, following discussion and approval by a specialist consultant radiologist.