ccooke Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition that results from dysregulated activity of the immune system. Patients most often present with abdominal pain and diarrhea. The distinction between UC and CD is largely based on distribution of the affected sites and morphologic changes of the involved bowel. As with many other diseases, patients with IBD are apt to be first seen in primary care, then managed with a team approach that incorporates continuous involvement of the primary care provider. It is therefore critical that primary care clinicians be knowledgeable about the differential diagnosis of IBD, the various treatment options available, and strategies for tailoring therapy according to disease characteristics in individual patients.
Educational Objectives
At the conclusion of this activity, the PA should be better able to:- Recognize patients with IBD presenting in the primary care setting, differentiate them from patients with other disorders, and appropriately stratify the level of disease.
- Outline the pharmacologic options available for patients with IBD, whether UC or CD, and outline the most appropriate treatments for patients depending on their disease state.
- Discuss appropriate tools and evidence-based guidelines to assist in evaluating, initiating, and managing patients with IBD.
- Describe proposed strategies to improve the clinician-patient relationship for individuals with IBD.