Ulcerative colitis outpatient management: development and evaluation of tools to support primary care practitioners

Background: Current models of care for ulcerative colitis (UC) across healthcare systems are inconsistent with a paucity of existing guidelines or supportive tools for outpatient management.

Aims: This study aimed to produce and evaluate evidence-based outpatient management tools for UC to guide primary care practitioners and patients in clinical decision-making.

Methods: Three tools were developed after identifying current gaps in the provision of healthcare services for patients with UC at a Clinical Insights Meeting in 2013. Draft designs were further refined through consultation and consolidation of feedback by the steering committee. Final drafts were developed following feasibility testing in three key stakeholder groups (gastroenterologists, general practitioners and patients) by questionnaire. The tools were officially launched into mainstream use in Australia in 2014.

Results: Three quarters of all respondents liked the layout and content of each tool. Minimal safety concerns were aired and those, along with pieces of information that were felt to be omitted, that were reviewed by the steering committee and incorporated into the final documents. The majority (over 80%) of respondents felt that the tools would be useful and would improve outpatient management of UC.

Conclusion: Evidence-based outpatient clinical management tools for UC can be developed. The concept and end-product have been well received by all stakeholder groups. These tools should support non-specialist clinicians to optimise UC management and empower patients by facilitating them to safely self-manage and identify when medical support is needed.