Knowledge Levels About Inflammatory Bowel Disease Vary Between Healthcare Professional Groups

Abstract

Background: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is one of the most serious chronic diseases affecting the global population. Clinical team members involved in the care of individuals with IBD should have sufficient knowledge about IBD.

Aims: The study aim was to assess IBD knowledge among four health care professional groups in New Zealand: nurses, medical students, dietitians, and pharmacists.

Methods: All four groups completed surveys on demographics, work experience, and contact with patients with IBD. All completed a validated IBD knowledge assessment questionnaire (IBD-KID2), and percentage scores with standard deviation (SD) for each group calculated and compared.

Results: Participants included 200 nurses, 196 medical students, 45 dietitians, and 28 pharmacists. Mean IBD-KID2 percentage scores were nurses 69.7% (SD 14.7), medical students 77.6% (SD 14.5), dietitians 87.4% (SD 8.3), and pharmacists 83.4% (SD 10.1). Nurses scored lower than other HCP (P < 0.001). Independent variables were associated (P < 0.05) with higher scores for nurses having first degree relative with IBD, access to IBD guidelines, worked with children with IBD; medical students in their clinical years of study; and dietitians with IBD-specific education. Specific items scored poorly: growth, food triggers, heritability of IBD, and nutrient absorption.

Conclusions: Knowledge gaps exist among HCP that may be addressed with targeted education. Improvements in the knowledge of those caring for people with IBD may optimize patient outcomes.

Keywords: Colitis; Crohn’s; Dietitians; Disease outcomes; Education; Knowledge assessment; Medical students; Nurses; Pharmacists.