News
The role of an inflammatory bowel disease specialist nurse
Feb 11, 2022
Hollywood Private Hospital has one of only two hospital-based Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Specialist Nurses at private hospitals in WA.
The role of IBD specialist nurse Kate Willis is to provide support, education and a helpline to patients with IBD and their families. Ms Willis also provides a valuable link between the multidisciplinary teams involved in the care of patients with IBD.
“IBD refers to two main diseases Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis, which both cause inflammation and ulceration of the bowel,” Ms Willis said.
“Both diseases can cause painful swelling inside the digestive tract. The swelling can become so severe that the sufferer requires surgery.
“At present, there is no cure for IBD, but treatment can help normalise the overactive immune system.” 1
Some symptoms of IBD range from fatigue, weight loss, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and rectal bleeding.
Australia has one of the highest prevalence of IBD in the world. More than 80,000 Australians live with IBD and cases are expected to increase to more than 100,000 by 2022. 2
According to Crohn’s & Colitis Australia, the conditions are becoming more severe and complex, with increasing numbers of very young patients diagnosed with IBD.
Recent research has revealed IBD requires long-term treatment to maintain disease control. The IBD specialist nurse plays an important role in helping patients with disease management. 3
Another study found that IBD specialist nurses result in better patient knowledge and earlier presentation. 4
Deputy Director of Clinical Services Patricia Whalley said Hollywood Private Hospital invested in an IBD specialist nurse because specialist nurses can be critical in ensuring a coherent pathway for patients.
“Kate assists patients and families to develop an understanding of both the disease process itself and the care options,” Ms Whalley said.
“She helps the patient navigate their treatment and disease process.”
IBD specialist nurses help patients by:
- Providing reliable information - about a patient’s diagnosis, the effects of their condition, medical treatment options, the effects of medications and what monitoring is needed.
- Coordinating a patient’s care – a constant point of contact for patients and their families, communicating with treating doctors and other members of their health care team. Ms Willis facilitates treatment at Hollywood Private Hospital’s infusion unit.
- Assisting patients with access to services and support groups - both in the hospital and in the community.
Ms Willis is based in the Endoscopy Suite in the new Hollywood Consulting Centre.
1 https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/inflammatory-bowel-disease-ibd
2 https://www.crohnsandcolitis.com.au/about-crohns-colitis/
3 https://journals.lww.com/gastroenterologynursing/Abstract/2020/01000/The_Role_of_an_Inflammatory_Bowel_Disease_Nurse_in.15.aspx
4 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24161810/
Hollywood Private Hospital IBD Specialist Nurse Kate Willis.