Personalised Care Toolkit: Managing Common Symptoms

The symptoms of Crohn's and Colitis can reduce quality of life and well-being. Personalised care is about giving people with Crohn's and Colitis the information, skills and confidence to manage symptoms of their Inflammatory Bowel Disease and live as well as possible.

This could be helping them to manage bloating, supporting them with fatigue, or signposting them to a 'can't wait card' to help them when they need the toilet urgently when they are out and about. You may want to consider whether the person with IBD that you are caring for could benefit from:

Information in written form throughout their journey, starting at diagnosis in the form of a patient pack
Assessment of their fatigue levels
Referral to a dietician
Testing for Coeliac Disease
Assessment of pain or a referral to a pain specialist
Referral to mental health or psychiatric liaison service, or local NHS or voluntary sector mental health and counselling services for anxiety and depression -either to treat presenting issues or as a preventative measure

Resources

Crohn's & Colitis UK Information Leaflets

Crohn's & Colitis UK provide a range of written information on a variety of topics related to common symptoms such as abscesses, bloating, ulcers and fatigue.

Fatigue rating scale for IBD

Healthcare professionals can use the fatigue scale to assess, measure and monitor patients’ fatigue over time.

Can't Wait Card

The Can't Wait Card makes it easier for members to ask to use toilets in shops, restaurants and other buildings (which may not be public facing) without having to give a long explanation about their condition.

CICRA information aimed at children and young people

CICRA have a range of information leaflets on subjects such as what is IBD to transition.

Don't forget to go back to our resources directory for resources about the other areas of self-management.

If you would like us to add a resource or link, or have any feedback please send us an email.