687 Survey of scope of services provided by paediatricians with interest in paediatric gastroenterology across England. (17th August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chana, Shveta; Chakraborty, Himadri; Shrestha, Baneera; Paul, SIba; Kannappan, Hema; Banerjee, Tushar; Ayaz, Mashhood; Rizvi, Hina
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 107(2022)Supplement 2
• Page Start: A254
• Page End: A255
• Publication Date: 2022-08-17
• Subjects: Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2022-rcpch.411
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

Abstract : Aims: In 2021, BSPGHAN and RCPCH jointly published a UK National Census report following the publication of Quality Standards for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition in 2017. The report made recommendation (Section 2.1) that Consultant Paediatricians with special interest in Gastroenterology & Hepatology (PeGHANs)should receive 2 PAs formally allocated towards providing care. Our survey aimed to understand what services are PeGHANs providing within their settings that are recognised and match their skills. Methods: PeGHAN Professional Group conducted a Survey using Google forms in January 2022 amongst Consultant Paediatricians with special interest in Gastroenterology. Participants were contacted via BSPGHAN communication portals and a well-established What's app Group of 76 PeGHANs across England. Exact Programmed Activity allocation was not asked to avoid survey fatigue as this information was collected in National Census Report. Results: 44 (58% response rate) responses were received. When matched to the SPIN curriculum, Table 1 simplifies various services that PeGHANs provide. Table 2 highlights the patient workload (in percentages) per disease group. 43% responders feel that their job plan does not reflect their role for Gastro services. 27% responders feel they are unable to utilise their skills adequately in their role. Only 28% PeGHANs provide lead for liver disorders. PeGHANs highlighted multiple challenges they face within their role including: 'Not enough time for Gastro services'; 'Not able to do joint clinics'; 'Allergy role not recognised'; 'Liaison time with tertiary colleagues not recognised'; 'Communication for shared care patients is sporadic''; 'Regional monthly meetings have improved care and communication across the region''; 'Gastro not recognised separately in job plan'; 'No definite role for PeGHAN in a tertiary centre'; Job plan is a problem, all considered as General Paediatric work'; 'Poor hepatology support'; 'Communication for shared care patients often sporadic'; 'Managing patient phone calls and queries for IBD patients in the absence of a Gastro nurse is challenging' Conclusion: Our survey highlights that PeGHANs continue to face significant challenges to meet their patient needs in the changing landscape for better care closer to home. Lack of recognition for liaison and networking time with specialised centres contribute to clinician dissatisfaction likely impacting on patient experience. PeGHANs need to be supported further to match the services they provide in order to utilise their skills adequately. These services should be recognised within their job planning. We propose that Paediatric Gastroenterology services should be evaluated under national platforms such as GIRFT (Getting It Right the First Time) to improve care. This will further enhance the morale of Paediatric Gastroenterology trainees when planning their career opportunities. Reference: www.rcpch.ac.uk/pghan-census