IBD – ‘GP Aware’ Project Update

The Australian General Practice Accreditation Limited (AGPAL) through its partnership with Crohn’s & Colitis Australia (CCA) and the Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA), is supporting the co-development of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) training resources for the ‘GP Aware’ Project.

AGPAL has recently completed Phase 1 of the project, which included a systematic literature review, 14 engaging focus groups and surveys with general practitioners (GPs) and generalist gastroenterologists to identify barriers and enablers of using existing referral protocols, management and guidelines of IBD education. The GPs and gastroenterologists from across the nation provided invaluable input about the guidelines they use, why these are their preferred source for information and, offered suggestions for inclusion in the training material to enhance IBD care.

GPs and gastroenterologists both agreed that IBD is a complex and emerging condition, and improvements to patient care should be addressed through increased awareness and education for practitioners, patients and the general community. Many of the participants learned additional information about IBD care and reported that it was a wonderful experience to collaborate across disciplines. Results from Phase 1 is informing the development of the training material that will be rolled out later this year.