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The Inflammatory Bowel Disease Newsletter, 2002 Crohn's and Colitis Research Centre, Royal Brisbane Hospital.
Management of CD and UC
In the year of 2001, the IBD team looked after over 1200 patients with CD or UC coming through the outpatient department ,and 65 patients admitted to the hospital with a disease-related complication (usually a relapse).
The development of a team structure in the management of these disorders is essential in terms of trying to provide the best care. This team is made up of doctors, surgeons, specialist nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, and scientists.
Two key areas that we have concentrated on in patient management are education and communication. Communication between gastroenterologist and surgeon in these cases is particularly important and we are fortunate in having the full support of the colorectal surgical unit at the Royal Brisbane. This has also been helped by the development of a combined IBD/colorectal clinic each week, which allows discussion of complex cases requiring input from both teams.
The idea of a specialist nurse for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis is not new - this type of position was created in the UK over 5 years ago. We are seeking support for this position which will have the important role of patient education and support, and hopefully the development of a telephone hotline for advice and information.
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