The gastroenterology inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) service and pharmacy team at PAHT have been shortlisted for a prestigious accolade in recognition of their partnership working to improve the experience of patients.
Their inflammatory bowel disease service project has been shortlisted for the Improving Safety in Medicines Management Award at this year’s Health Service Journal (HSJ) Patient Safety Awards.
The teams focused on improving the care of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who were taking immunosuppressant and biologic medication. Biologic medicines (produced by biological rather than chemical processes) are treatments for people with moderate to severe Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. They may be an option when other drugs such as immunosuppressants or steroids have not been effective, or side effects have been hard to manage.
A specialist pharmacist was embedded within the inflammatory bowel disease service in gastroenterology to advise, where appropriate, on alternative medications (biosimilars) which could effectively manage these conditions, supporting patient safety. This included providing expert pharmaceutical guidance for the IBD team, responding to IBD helpline calls from patients, running clinics for patients on complex medication and supporting GPs with shared care medicine management.
John Biddulph (pictured), chief pharmacist, said: “Our approach has given patients the opportunity to be proactively involved, first-hand, in their care. It has also enhanced partnership working between our hospital and GP surgeries.
“We are proud of the many positive messages and comments from our patients who often refer to the improvement in their condition and symptoms as being life-changing.”
Monica Bose (pictured), consultant gastroenterologist and associate medical director for cancer, cardiology and clinical support services, who clinically led the development of this programme, added: “It is excellent to see what we have achieved, working as one team, to improve the care and experiences of our patients.
“Thank you to everyone who has been involved in this fantastic project.”
Lance McCarthy, chief executive, added: “I am extremely proud to see the work of our gastroenterology inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) service and pharmacy teams acknowledged nationally. This is amazing recognition of their commitment to improving the experience of our patients.
“Congratulations to John, Monica and all of their teams on this achievement – we look forward to the awards ceremony.”
The judging panel is made up of a diverse range of highly influential and respected figures within the healthcare community. Winners will be announced as part of the Patient Safety Congress and Awards in Manchester in September.