NEW research published in the State of the Nation in Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Australia report has found that 180,000 Australians are living with IBD, and that number is increasing at a faster rate than in other countries.
The report, from Crohn's & Colitis Australia (CCA), was launched in Canberra yesterday by Health Minister Mark Butler, and provides an in-depth assessment of Australians living with IBD, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, highlighting potential risk factors as well as solutions for improving outcomes.
Clinical pharmacist and AdPha member Sheridan Rodda was a member of the advisory committee overseeing the project, and told Pharmacy Daily that pharmacists have a critical role to play.
"Unfortunately, we are seeing more and more Australians impacted by the debilitating symptoms of IBD," Rodda said.
"IBD affects adults and children of all ages and can lead to other challenges affecting education, employment, and social participation," she explained.
"It is also a significant burden on the economy, and the total economic impact to Australia is estimated to be $7.8 billion in 2025."
The State of the Nation report identifies three key priorities to help people with IBD reach their full potential: improving access to multidisciplinary care; expanding access to novel therapies; and increasing investment in research.
Due to the complexity of IBD and the relapsing nature of the condition, clinical best practice involves a multidisciplinary approach led by the patient's gastroenterologist but also incorporates IBD nurses, dietitians, psychologists, surgeons, pharmacists, the patient's GP and other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care, the report notes.
The National Action Plan for IBD launched by the Federal Government in 2019 identified the need for greater patient access to multidisciplinary allied health teams, and the need to implement IBD-focused pharmacist roles in these teams, but the current report notes that no progress has been made on this.
The report proposes that governments could work together to facilitate and co-fund access to IBD multidisciplinary teams through a virtual national network.
Complementing this national network, the report proposes the Commonwealth could fund a 'Living Well with IBD' program through Primary Health Networks.
"Pharmacists, alongside other healthcare professionals, will play a critical role in delivering virtual multidisciplinary care and community-based programs such as 'Living Well with IBD'," Rodda said.
"By strengthening the IBD workforce and advocating for funding, this roadmap supports CCA's vision for 2030: ensuring timely diagnosis, equitable access to best practice care, and a future where Australians with IBD can live fearlessly," Rodda finished.
Read the report HERE. KB
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