Toward Integrated Care for Neurogastroenterology and Motility Disorders: A Model for Clinical Practice

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Healthcare Management
• Patient-Centered Care

Background:

• Integrated care coordinates health services across providers and settings for continuous, patient-centered disease management.
• Integrated care models are relevant for managing complex gastrointestinal (GI) diseases like disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
• Despite benefits in symptom burden, quality of life, and cost reduction, integrated care is not systematically adopted for GI motility disorders, which share features with DGBI and often involve mental health issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a multidisciplinary, integrated, patient-centered care model for neurogastroenterology and motility disorders.
• To foster knowledge exchange on integrated care for complex GI conditions.
• To support the development of adaptable integrated care models for diverse healthcare settings.

Main Methods:

• Development of a multidisciplinary, integrated, patient-centered care model at Maastricht University Medical Centre+.
• Focus on diagnosis and management of neurogastroenterology and motility disorders.
• Emphasis on addressing the multifactorial nature and overlap with DGBI and mental health comorbidities.

Main Results:

• The presented model offers a structured approach to integrated care for neurogastroenterology and motility disorders.
• Highlights the potential for improved patient outcomes and quality of life.
• Addresses the need for systematic adoption of integrated care in this field.

Conclusions:

• Integrated care models are crucial for managing complex GI motility disorders.
• The developed multidisciplinary approach provides a framework for effective patient-centered care.
• Further development and adaptation of integrated care models are needed for widespread implementation in GI healthcare settings.