Shared responsibility in the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease When to refer a patient with inflammatory bowel disease to a biological therapy center?

Abstract

The treatment of chronic diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, is a complex task that requires the collaboration of health professionals with up-to-date expertise and experience under the appropriate technical conditions. Our aim was to systematically review the management of inflammatory bowel disease. We focused on the issue of early diagnosis and referral to a specialist, the need for personalized therapy and “treat-to-target” concept, and the appropriate timing of referral to a biological therapy center. The levels of competent and responsible care and the structure of a multidisciplinary team were also discussed. For the article, international and Hungarian therapeutic protocols and literature were reviewed. The collaboration of disciplines is essential in the management of chronic diseases. For disease management, it is critical to be up-to-date with changing recommendations, protocols, and to adopt competency levels to achieve a patient’s adequate quality of life and reduce disease complications.