P165 The patient’s journey: the IBD terrain

T. Mahmood1, T. Mahmood2

1Grantham District General Hospital and United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Gastroenterology., Ickenham, UK, 2Foundation Traineee, Medicine, London, UK

Background

Patients with IBD have already travelled a long journey before they muster up courage to speak about their symptoms with their doctor or the family. During this period they may undergo enormous suffering. This educational film, part sponsored by Crohn’s and Colitis UK, highlights this issue for the first time. It recognises that doctors and nurses are not trained to address pre-consultation journey of IBD patients.

Methods

This 40 min long drama documentary film was made with the help of a filming crew. Script was written, directed, produced and co-edited by the two authors with the help of the filming experts. It was part sponsored by the Crohn’s and Colitis UK. The film tells three touching stories that aim to educate patients and medical professionals. It shows physical, emotional, social and relational effects of silent sufferers with IBD.

Results

It is highlighted that patient journeys before they muster up courage to speak to anybody about their symptoms have a massive bearing on their general outcomes. The doctors and nurses so frequently are naïve about this aspect of patient care, as we are neither taught about it nor trained to deal with it.

Conclusion

This film is first of its kind. There is need for the Medical education curriculum to incorporate training and awareness about suffering of IBD patients before having medical consultations, and prior to sharing their stories with relatives and friends. The film has educational elements for all; doctors and nurses as well as the patients.