246 What are the implications of changing treatment delivery models for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) sufferers?

Abstract

Introduction: an integrated biopsychosocial model of care has been used effectively to manage chronic diseases; however, there is limited yet encouraging evidence on its introduction to manage inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a chronic gastrointestinal condition. The aim of this paper is to discuss the rationale for and implications of introducing an integrated model of care for IBD sufferers, with a particular focus on: psychology input, patientcentred care, efficiency as perceived by patients and doctors financial implications and the possible means of model introduction. Methods: a discussion paper of the integrated model of care for IBD against a background of what has been learned from an integrated model of care established in other chronic conditions. Results: although limited, the emerging data on an integrated model of care in IBD are encouraging with respect to patient outcomes and savings in healthcare costs. In other conditions, the model has been well received by both patients and practitioners, although the loss of autonomy by doctors is listed among its drawbacks. The cost-effectiveness data are now sufficiently convincing to recommend the model’s acceptance in principle. Conclusions: the model should be promoted on the policy level rather than by individual practitioners to facilitate equal access for IBD suffers on a larger scale than currently.