The Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patient: An Overview for Infusion Advanced Practice Providers

Authors

Elaine West Hajisafari, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Gastroenterology

Advisor

Dr. Thomas Colletti

Abstract

ABSTRACT:

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to review the role of the advanced practice providers (APPs) in infusion centers who infuse biologics and manage patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Method: A PubMed and Google Scholar literature search of articles published within the last five years was conducted using search terms: advanced practice provider, infusions, biologics, and inflammatory bowel disease. Additional web-based searches of professional societies and resources was completed using the same search terms. Thirty-two articles and resources were retrieved and will serve as the basis for this clinical review.

Results: There is a lack of literature that details the role of nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) who work in gastroenterology focused infusion centers. At the same time, there has been a trend towards developing new intravenous and injectable biologics for the treatment of IBD over the last 20 years.

Conclusion: Advanced practice providers employed in gastroenterology (GI) practices have been shown to improve patient care, particularly those patients with chronic conditions such as IBD. While there is limited, yet useful, literature available to discuss the role and incorporation of APPs in different gastroenterology settings, there is little to support the infusion APP in gastroenterology. Further studies are needed to identify the unique role of the APP in this setting.

Keywords: Advanced practice provider, Infusions, Biologics, Inflammatory bowel disease

Recommended Citation

Hajisafari EW. The Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patient: An Overview for Infusion Advanced Practice Providers. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2021; 3(2).