Only one in five gastroenterologists (22%) frequently refer to Australian guidance on inflammatory bowel disease while 43% frequently use European guidelines, a survey shows. 

The poll of 198 specialists reveals time shortages and difficulty in remembering specific advice are the main barriers to adhering to official guidance, with 62% and 61%, respectively, citing these issues. 

However, some 46% of respondents said they intentionally did not follow the guidelines because of their own clinical experience, according to the authors from Liverpool Hospital in Sydney and UNSW Sydney. 

Yet, the survey also found the respondents performed poorly on several questions testing their knowledge of European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation (ECCO) recommendations.