Models of outpatient care delivery in inflammatory bowel disease: a scoping review

As inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) becomes increasingly common worldwide, optimizing service delivery is critical to ensuring timely access to high-quality IBD care. We conducted a scoping review to understand the extent and type of evidence related to models of outpatient IBD care.

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO from inception to April 29, 2025 to identify English-language studies describing or evaluating models of care delivery for individuals with IBD in outpatient settings. Eligible peer-reviewed articles included publications of any type (primary studies, reviews, perspectives) focusing on any age group, timepoints in care (eg, transition from pediatric to adult care), and context (eg, remote delivery).

Of the 14,202 records searched, 243 met the inclusion criteria, including 89 studies evaluating models of care, 141 studies describing models of care without formal evaluation, and 13 consensus statements/guidelines. Models discussed included value-based multidisciplinary teams (with either biomedical or biopsychosocial approaches), care provided by nurses and other allied healthcare professionals (HCPs), remote monitoring and healthcare delivery, and rapid access clinics. Models increased patient satisfaction, enhanced collaboration between patients and HCPs, reduced health services utilization (eg, emergency department visits, hospitalizations), and improved patient outcomes (ie, disease activity, mental health, quality of life). Gastroenterologists, IBD nurses, and allied HCPs were consistently identified as key team members.

Innovative outpatient models of IBD care have been proposed and evaluated. These models of care can guide modifications to IBD care globally to help address the rising demand of IBD on healthcare systems, increasing the efficiency of care.