Using the Standardized Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America Anemia Care Pathway in Caring for Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Anemia is often underdiagnosed and suboptimally managed in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) project was to evaluate the impact of utilizing the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation's Anemia Care Pathway on clinicians' anemia screening frequency and confidence level in anemia management. Patients' perspectives regarding anemia care and treatment methods were also evaluated. Clinicians in outpatient gastroenterology clinics of a large Pennsylvania health care system were given surveys to assess the frequency of anemia screening and their confidence level in anemia management, before and after incorporating the Anemia Care Pathway into their care for patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Patients were given anonymous surveys about anemia care and treatment modalities. The results showed a significant increase in anemia screening frequency, from once a year to twice a year (p = .008). There was also a significant increase in clinicians' confidence levels in anemia management (p = .001). Patient surveys indicated that over half of patients were unaware of how often they were screened for anemia. Utilizing the Anemia Care Pathway in inflammatory bowel disease care could positively impact patient outcomes. The results further indicate the need for better patient education on how anemia in inflammatory bowel disease is screened, managed, and treated.