N35 Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) nurses' knowledge practice and attitudes related to Microscopic Colitis (MC)

Abstract

Abstract Background Microscopic Colitis (MC) is affiliated with and increasingly recognized as an Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis (IBD) were first described over a century ago. Microscopic Colitis was first described in 1976 and the last decade has seen increasing awareness and European guidelines developed. There is no education on microscopic colitis for IBD nurses and it is not known of the practice of MC by IBD nurses in Ireland. Furthermore it is not incorporated in the Nurse European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation (N-ECCO) guidelines. The aim was to assess knowledge, practice and attitudes of IBD nurses in relation to MC. Methods A quantitative cross sectional survey research methodology was conducted using a 17 point questionnaire. 29 (n=29) IBD nurses from the IBD national association of Ireland (IBDNAI) responded from a total of 52 (55.7%). The inclusion criteria was 1) registered practicing nurse 2) on IBDNAI register 3) willing to participate. Data was recorded and analysed using SPSS software. Descriptive statistics were implemented. Cronbach's Alpha for instrument reliability was 0.789. Results The majority were female (90%) between ages 36-55 years (86%). The greater number (41%) had over 11 years of experience, followed by 38% with 1-5 years experience. The highest work location was Clinical Nurse Specialist 65.5% (n=19) and the majority qualified at Post Grad level (27.6%, n=8) or Masters level (34.5%, n=10). Mean and standard deviation scores for knowledge indicated no significant variation but variation was most significant with treatments for MC. Knowledge and years of experience revealed no significant variation. Less than one year experience (Mean 1.50 SD.707) and greater than 11 years (Mean 1.42 SD.669) Knowledge scores for symptoms are high (65.5%-90%) but investigations and treatments are average (31%, 38% and 48.3%). In relation to practice the majority of IBD nurses 71% do not receive referrals and 78.5% do not review patients diagnosed with MC at the out-patient department. Attitudes from IBD nurses regarding MC as part of the IBD nurse caseload, 42.8% said no and 57.10% said yes. 67% agreed that MC should be incorporated into the N-ECCO guidelines. Conclusion Education on Microscopic Colitis for IBD nurses is required nationally in Ireland which will improve the integration into practice. IBD nurses are best placed to care for patients diagnosed with MC. Recognition for MC to be incorporated into the Nurse European Crohn's and Colitis (N-ECCO) guidelines needs to be considered.