Nursing resources and responsibilities according to hospital organizational model for management of inflammatory bowel disease in Spain

Background: Nurses play an important role in the multidisciplinary management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but little is known about this role and the associated resources.

Objective: To improve knowledge of resource availability for health care activities and the different organizational models in managing IBD in Spain.

Methods: Cross-sectional study with data obtained by questionnaire directed at Spanish Gastroenterology Services (GS). Five GS models were identified according to whether they have: no specific service for IBD management (Model A); IBD outpatient office for physician consultations (Model B); general outpatient office for nurse consultations (Model C); both, Model B and Model C (Model D); and IBD Unit (Model E) when the hospital has a Comprehensive Care Unit for IBD with telephone helpline, computer, including a Model B. Available resources and activities performed were compared according to GS model (chi-square test and test for linear trend).

Results: Responses were received from 107 GS: 33 Model A (31%), 38 Model B (36%), 4 Model C (4%), 16 Model D (15%) and 16 Model E (15%). The model in which nurses have the most resources and responsibilities is the Model E. The more complete the organizational model, the more frequent the availability of nursing resources (educational material, databases, office, and specialized software) and responsibilities (management of walk-in appointments, provision of emotional support, health education, follow-up of drug treatment and treatment adherence) (p<0.05).

Conclusions: Nurses have more resources and responsibilities the more complete is the organizational model for IBD management. Development of these areas may improve patient outcomes.