Rachel Campbell and Callula Nulty

A 38-week waiting time was identified for patients who received an IBD diagnosis and were referred to gastroenterology on the general referral pathway, following a referral to the colorectal two-week-wait pathway due to a positive FIT test. This project aimed to develop a direct pathway in order to reduce the wait time for patients.

Patients were switched-off from the two-week-wait pathway and referred, following the pathway criteria, to the gastro Advanced Clinical Practioners (ACPs). It was a joint partnership initiative between ACPs, with the backing of the colorectal surgeons and the business manager. The pathway was trialled for six months, collating data on 58 eligible two-week-wait switch-offs. Of these, 88% were diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease or microscopic colitis. 69% (40/58) were seen within eight weeks of referral.

The proposed pathway demonstrated its value, particularly for patients with newly diagnosed IBD or microscopic colitis, by enhancing their overall experience. For future development, the pathway will be integrated into the hospital’s patient centre system for ease of use by the colorectal switch-off team.