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World J Gastroenterol. Jul 28, 2014; 20(28): 9281-9285
Published online Jul 28, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i28.9281
Approaches to improve quality of care in inflammatory bowel diseases
Rajesh Shah, Jason K Hou
Rajesh Shah, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, United States
Jason K Hou, Houston VA HSR&D Center of Excellence, Michael E DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States
Author contributions: Shah R contributed in the literature review and manuscript authorship; Hou JK contributed in literature review, manuscript authorship and editorial input in the manuscript; all the authors approved of the final draft submitted.
Supported by in part by the Houston VA HSR&D Center of Excellence, No. HFP90-020
Correspondence to: Jason K Hou, MD, Houston VA HSR&D Center of Excellence, Michael E DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, United States. jkhou@bcm.edu
Telephone: +1-713-7980950 Fax: +1-713-7980951
Received: September 27, 2013
Revised: December 17, 2013
Accepted: April 21, 2014
Published online: July 28, 2014
Processing time: 302 Days and 0.7 Hours
Abstract

Studies across medical disciplines have shown gaps in the care recommended in evidence based guidelines and the care actually delivered. Quality improvement projects using systematic audit and feedback interventions such as quality measures, will become increasingly important tools to address these gaps in care. These gaps are also apparent in the care of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Multiple organizations, including the American Gastroenterology Association and the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, have developed programs designed to implement quality measures to improve the care of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Early results show promise of improving quality, but numerous barriers remain. Gastroenterologists need to be aware of these processes to provide the highest care possible to patients with IBD. We review the existing literature on approaches to quality improvement and their potential application and barriers when applied to IBD care.

Keywords: Inflammatory bowel disease; Crohn’s disease; Ulcerative colitis; Quality

Core tip: There is growing recognition in the variation and lack of quality of care in medicine, including the care of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. We review the existing literature on approaches to quality improvement and their potential application and barriers when applied to inflammatory bowel disease care.