Best practices to support inflammatory bowel disease patients in higher education and the workplace: A clinician’s guide

Abstract

The rising prevalence of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, among adolescents and young adults illuminates the growing need for psychosocial and structural support for these patients as they navigate both higher education and entering the workforce. In a roundtable discussion hosted by the Crohn’s and Colitis Young Adults Network (CCYAN), medical professionals (physicians, nurses, psychologists, trainees/medical students) and young adult patients with IBD came together to identify best practices for leveraging existing resources to support patients in higher education and their early careers. The discussion explored the topics of ableism and existing barriers in higher education and the workplace, including accommodation processes and the significance of proactive planning and collaboration between patients and their pediatric or adult care providers; the crucial role of establishing a therapeutic alliance; highlighting the importance of adopting a "whole person" care approach and normalizing discussions about the psychosocial facets of IBD; and finally, addressing the challenges associated with disease disclosure to empower patients and further build their self-efficacy.