The role of Primary Care Practitioner (PCP) in managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients during COVID 19 Era

Introduction: The Covid-19 epidemic started in late 2019 from China. Since then, it has spread all over the world. SARS-CoV-2 infection poses a new challenge for the health systems of the countries involved, which have diverted all efforts to contain the pandemic spread, penalizing the management of patients with chronic diseases. Also, the activity of IBD units was limited and restricted to severe patients to avoid virus spreading. Aim: The aim of the present review is to summarize and to report the earliest evidence regarding the novel managing strategies for IBD patients, in primary care. Method: A review of the main database of scientific publications was conducted, regarding Covid-19 and the management of the patient with IBD in primary care. Results: Several strategies have proven their efficacy. Among these, the most promising are telehealth and patient education (“shielding education”). These two interventions can monitor safely patient’s health and reduce the infection risk in IBD patient. Discussion: Nowadays, limited data in present scientific literature does not show that IBD patients have an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and a worst disease evolution than general population. The primary care practitioner can play a fundamental role in promoting the correct management of the IBD patient during the pandemic spread.