Introduction In the UK, key professional organisations have collaborated to provide inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) Standards to be delivered by the NHS, highlighting the importance of patient education and support.¹ Little literature exists however regarding the impact of these standards on patient’s knowledge of their disease.

The study aim is to utilise the Crohn’s and Colitis Knowledge Score (CCKNOW) to assess patient knowledge and make a comparison with results achieved in 1999.

Methods 100 outpatients with CD or UC were prospectively enrolled to complete the CCKNOW questionnaire between May and September 2013 at two Leicestershire Hospitals.

Results 100 patients, 58 female with a mean age of 49.2 (range 18–75), 42 male with a mean age of 47.1 (range 18–77). Mean disease duration was 12.8 (range 0–41). Mean and median scores for IBD patients were 10.15 (95% CI: 9.2–11.1) and 9 (95% CI: 8–11) respectively. CD (38) patients achieved a significantly higher score than UC (61), median scores of 10.5 and 9 respectively, p = 0.007. CCKNOW scores achieved were significantly lower with increasing age, p = 0.0006. Patient gender, ethnicity, disease duration or perceived disease activity had no significant effect upon CCKNOW score.

Conclusion Patient understanding of inflammatory bowel disease is no better now than when assessed in 1999, median scores being 9 and 10 respectively. There are persisting knowledge deficits regarding the subjects of fertility and the complications of IBD. Elderly patients performed significantly worse than younger counterparts and may therefore benefit the most from increased access to appropriate educational programmes and support.

Reference

1. Quality Care Service standards for the healthcare of people who have Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) IBD Standards Group. 2009 http://www.ibdstandards.org.uk/ [accessed 21.4:13]

Disclosure of Interest None Declared.