not surprised

[Gabes-Apg]

this article (summary is provided) will be no surprise to most (if not all) on this forum..........

(i dont have access to the full article)

http://www.gastroenterologyupdate.com.a ... e%E2%80%9D

IBD makes GPs “uncomfortable”
General practitioners – the first port of call for most IBD patients – are struggling to correctly monitor the condition, with most ignoring protocols and a large proportion “uncomfortable” managing the disease.
But the study authors aren’t convinced educating GPs will improve IBD care.
Seventy percent of GPs did not monitor their patients on immunosuppressants in line with current protocols, instead opting for case-by-case management, according to the first large scale Australian study of attitudes and knowledge of IBD in general practice.
After surveying more than 400 GPs, the University of Adelaide found more than one third were “uncomfortable” managing IBD patients in general and 71% and 91% were uncomfortable with the use of immunomodulators and biologics

[Joefnh]

Certainly this is troubling, but not surprising. I wonder is it lack of proper training or that they do not consider IBDs an issue that needs to be taken seriously. I do find it troubling that they are not monitoring the immunosuppressive therapies correctly, that has the potential to be dangerous.

Several of the immunosuppresive therapies lower the white blood cell counts and can also affect the bone marrow production if the levels are too high. Speaking of which I just had my bloodwork done this week for my 3 month checkup for Imuran.

Gabes for long term management of IBDs and their treatments, do the specialist manage the patients care in Oz, or is that responsibility handed back to the primary care doctor once a diagnosis and treatment has been established by the specialist.