Gastroenterology

The Gastroenterology Specialty Delivery Group (SDG) includes nominated representation from all NHS Scotland Boards providing Gastroenterology services.

Processes

The group has recently formed and will be looking at how we can implement Active Clinical Referral Triage (ACRT) including Opt-in pathways and Discharge Patient Initiated Review (PIR) and this remains a focus.

Pathways

The group has developed and agreed the following pathways:

• Dysphagia
• Haemochromatosis
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
• Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA)
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Reflux

We are currently developing the following pathways and aim to have them finalised by the end of 2026:

• Early Detection of Liver Disease
• Non-Alcohol related Liver Disease

Measurement

We are continuing to develop measurements to ensure these programmes have the desired benefits for our patients. This includes bespoke data capture to support implementation of processes such Active Clinical Referral Triage, Discharge Patient Initiated Review including Opt-in pathways and increased use of the CfSD Heatmap data collection.