N22 Exploring the Competencies of IBD Nurses in Italy: A Cross-sectional Survey

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Abstract Background Nurses are essential for caring for patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD)1. Their responsibilities encompass patient education, therapeutic management, and emotional support. However, the competencies of IBD Nurses in Italy still need to be studied2. This research assessed Italian IBD Nurses’ fundamental and advanced skills, providing a baseline for future professional development. Methods This cross-sectional study used an online survey developed by a multidisciplinary expert panel, including gastroenterologists and IBD nurse specialists. The 53-item survey covered sociodemographics, professional characteristics, institutional context, and competencies (fundamental and advanced) assessed via a 5-point Likert scale based on N-ECCO guidelines. Distributed nationwide from June to August 2024, descriptive statistics summarised participants' profiles, and inferential analyses, including Pearson’s correlations and ANOVA, explored associations between competencies and variables like experience, education, and institutional factors. Results The study analysed responses from 50 IBD Nurse, predominantly female (92%), with a mean age of 48.38 years (SD ± 9.7). Fundamental competencies showed consistently higher mean scores compared to advanced competencies. High proficiency was noted in establishing empathetic relationships and recognising the emotional impact of IBD (mean score: 4.06/5). Advanced competencies with the highest scores included caregiver education and multidisciplinary support (3.56/5 and 3.40/5, respectively). However, gaps were identified in paediatric care management (2.30/5) and transitional care (2.46/5). Significant correlations were observed between years of IBD-specific experience and competencies such as therapeutic management and stress handling. Conclusion Italian IBD Nurses demonstrate fundamental solid and moderate skills in advanced competencies. Gaps in paediatric and transitional care underscore the need for targeted training. Enhancing educational programs and multidisciplinary collaboration can improve the quality of care for IBD patients. Future studies should address integrating digital health tools to support self-management and patient outcomes. References 1.McDowell C, Farooq U, Haseeb M. Inflammatory Bowel Disease. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2024. Accessed August 24, 2024. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470312/ 2.Tanaka M, Kawakami A, Sakagami K, Terai T, Ito H. Influence of multidisciplinary team care with abundant nurse staffing on patient-reported outcomes among patients with inflammatory bowel disease in clinical remission. Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2024;22(1):44. doi:10.1186/s12955-024-02247-w 3.Kemp K, Dibley L, Chauhan U, et al. Second N-ECCO Consensus Statements on the European Nursing Roles in Caring for Patients with Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis. Journal of Crohn’s and Colitis. 2018;12(7):760-776. doi:10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjy020