The revised inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) standards and the IBD nurse role

Abstract

It has been 4 years since the introduction of the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) Service Standards ( IBD Standards Group, 2009 ). Promoted widely and supported by quality improvement initiatives, the IBD Standards have contributed to a marked improvement in the delivery of IBD services and care, as measured by the IBD audit. However, there remain many challenges. The 2013 updated IBD Standards aim to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date framework that will enable IBD services across the UK to address challenges and deliver a consistent and high-quality service to IBD patients. This article will outline the need for change and current trends in the NHS, the differences between the original and revised IBD Standards, the role of the new IBD Standards in improving care across the country, the role of the IBD specialist nurse in relation to the IBD Standards and what IBD patients can expect in the future.