Implementation of the recommendations for the psychological management of patients with spondyloarthritis and inflammatory bowel disease

Objective

To assess and improve the level of implementation of the recommendations for the psychological management of patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA) and associated inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods

Qualitative study. We performed a narrative literature review to identify the recommendations for the psychological management of SpA and associated IBD and to explore their level of implementation. Based on the findings, we developed a national survey to assess: (1) current level of knowledge and implementation of the recommendations; (2) attitudes towards the recommendations; and (3) barriers and facilitators to their implementation. The results of the review and survey were discussed by a multidisciplinary group of 9 expert rheumatologists and gastroenterologists, who defined implementation strategies to increase the uptake of the recommendations.

Results

The review included 4 articles, 2 of them included direct recommendations on the identification and management of psychological problems in patients with SpA and IBD. None assessed the level of implementation of the recommendations in routine clinical practice. Our survey showed a great lack of awareness and implementation of the recommendations, even though psychological issues are very relevant for health professionals. Lack of time, resources, and knowledge are considered the main barriers to adherence to the recommendations. We propose several implementation strategies related to educational activities, clinical practice, and others to increase the uptake of reported recommendations.

Conclusions

Further research and efforts are required to achieve behaviour changes in clinical practice to improve the identification and management of psychological problems and needs in patients with SpA and IBD.