Kay’s four questions
Kay Crook’s relationship with her patients is unique and lasts from child to adulthood helping them manage the ups and downs of living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
The root cause of IBD remains elusive since first being diagnosed in the late 1800s but nurse specialists like Kay help educate and support young patients as well as help control the condition with medication.
The use of drugs called biologics has helped in the management of IBD and reduced the need for surgery in some patients.
They are now among the most effective drugs available helping stimulate remission if appropriate. Kay also advises her young changes about potential red flags, looking towards a supported self-management style of care.
Exam times are often a busy time for Kay as stress is one of the factors that can aggravate IBD and she will often advise schools on how best to accommodate pupils’ needs.
Kay said: “I have around 120 patients on my books and I get to know most of them well because they stay with me until they make the transition to the adult IBD service.
Her young charges often tease her about the ‘four questions’ she always poses as a framework for further investigation and try to remember them before she asks. How often do you go to the toilet? Have you got stomach pain?
What is your appetite like? And how much energy do you have?
“They often laugh but it is the most effective way of starting conversations about these important areas when deciding the best course of action.”
Kay has just completed the RCN IBD Nurse credentialling programme supported by Crohns and Colitis UK and is now the first accredited Paediatric IBD Advanced Level Nurse in the UK.
She is currently working with colleague now collaborating with a colleague on their first book about paediatric IBD nursing with medical publisher Springer.