Leveraging institutional support to build an integrated multidisciplinary care model in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease

In this commentary, Jennifer Schurman, PhD, and Craig Friesen, MD, draw from personal experience in building successful integrated care models to highlight key considerations for decision makers regarding institutional support and resources for clinical programs.

First, they recommend garnering support for including a psychologist in routine care for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) since psychological dysfunction is common in IBD cases and can exacerbate symptoms. They also mention risks, including depression, anxiety, social isolation and altered self-image, potential negative impact on treatment adherence, and strategies that exist to positively impact clinical outcomes.  

Second, they justify an integrated model for delivering care by sharing evidence-based approaches, feedback from IBD specialists and cost-effectiveness. They state that providers involved in the care of IBD patients recognize the value of discussion in real-time with shared input to create the optimum care plan.

Third, they address the financial impact of integrated care at a program level as a challenging barrier. Their suggestions are to: (1) develop a detailed plan of the care model; (2) develop a business plan; and (3) emphasize that finances need to be assessed as total inflow minus total outflow.

Finally, they review the benefit of collecting and reporting program data to support the existing literature and/or theoretical projections, demonstrate outcomes, and build alternative value streams recognized by the institution (e.g., academic, reputation) alongside the value to patients.

Read the publication.