Spotlight on inflammatory bowel disease & importance of early diagnosis with Crohn’s & Colitis UK

In today’s interview episode, we’re talking all things inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including discussions around the importance of an early diagnosis, how the multidisciplinary team works together in this area and the common misconceptions our guests hear about IBD. This episode will also explore the work and research of Crohn’s and Colitis UK – a UK-based charity that aims to bring awareness, support, and advice to those affected by these conditions. To discuss this topic, I am delighted to be joined by two brilliant HCPs in the world of IBD – Rachel Ainley and Isobel Mason. Rachel is the Head of Research and Evidence at Crohn’s & Colitis UK, the UK’s leading charity for Crohn’s and Colitis. She leads their work across evidence and insight, research and quality improvement. Before joining Crohn’s & Colitis UK she spent three years working for the British Embassy in Beijing where she was responsible for collaboration between the UK and China on health, drawing on her background as a GP. Isobel Mason works as a Nurse Consultant in Gastroenterology, at the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust leading liver and digestive health nursing services. The department is one of the busiest advanced and specialist nursing services in the Trust and involves 36 nurse specialists and practitioners working as part of the multidisciplinary team in all areas of gastroenterology, nutrition, hepatology and endoscopy nursing. Isobel leads the service, supporting and developing nurses and making strategic decisions about improving and advancing nursing practice. Her clinical role previously included busy inflammatory bowel disease nursing service which is now run day-to-day by three other nurse specialists. Isobel also runs clinics for patients with dyspepsia, coeliac disease, iron deficiency anaemia and a family history of colorectal cancer. She also works alongside other nurse consultants within the Trust developing frameworks and educational events for those in advanced and specialist roles. Isobel was chair of the RCN Crohn’s and Colitis special interest group until January 2009 and in this role represented the RCN in the development of the original Quality Care Standards for IBD care and published the first national audit of IBD nursing activity. She was chair of the RCN Gastrointestinal Nursing Forum from May 2011 until May 2019 and her work with the Forum resulted in the RCN Award of Merit in 2018. In 2016, she started a secondment with Crohns & Colitis UK, to lead and shape their IBD nursing strategy. Launched with an impactful campaign ‘More nurses – Better care’ Isobel’s role involves national campaigning, supporting nurses currently in post across the UK, developing career frameworks and case load modelling in advanced and specialist practice and patient co-production. The aim is that all those living with IBD have access to a suitably qualified nurse specialist. Show Notes: Crohn’s & Colitis UK Website: www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/HCP Twitter: @CrohnsColitisUK Guest socials: Rachel’s Twitter: @RachelAinley81 Isobel’s Twitter: @Isobelgastro