Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) standards for the care of children and young people
| 1 | Initial investigation and treatment should be in a paediatric gastroenterology service (part of a paediatric gastroenterology clinical network) |
| 2 | For physically and emotionally mature patients without psychological or educational problems investigations may be undertaken locally with shared care between an adult gastroenterologist and a paediatrician with an interest in gastroenterology |
| 3 | Standards for staffing and facilities must be met as outlined in the National Service Framework for Children and Young People in England—that is, for a catchment of 2 million people children's wards and children's nurses Endoscopy in a fully child-friendly unit Accredited paediatric anaesthetists Appropriately trained radiology staff Surgeons with an expertise in paediatric IBD An experienced dietician and paediatric nurse specialist Paediatric psychology and endocrinology support |
| 4 | Endoscopy should be performed by endoscopists with training and/or extensive experience in endoscopy and ileocolonoscopy in children |
| 5 | Information and support must be available to parents and siblings |
| 6 | There must be a defined policy and protocol for transitional care with a named coordinator overseeing this (eg, IBD nurse specialist) |