P5314 – Implementation of a Nurse Practitioner-Led Rapid Access Clinic for Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Quality Improvement Project

All research presented at ACG 2025 is strictly embargoed until 12:00 pm local Arizona Time, which aligns with Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)/3:00 pm ET on Sunday, October 26, 2025.

P5314 – Implementation of a Nurse Practitioner-Led Rapid Access Clinic for Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Quality Improvement Project

Tuesday, October 28, 2025 | 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM PDT | Exhibit Hall

Author Insights from Donna Ortiz, DNP, APRN, FNP-C & Megan Pearce, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

What’s new here and important for clinicians?
Nurse practitioner-led rapid access clinics (RACs) for IBD at a tertiary center reduced emergency department (ED) utilization and hospitalizations to below 10%, achieving the clinical goal, though this reduction was not statistically significant. The median time to clinic visit was 36 days, and the mean patient age was 48.8 years. This model demonstrates that proactive, ambulatory management of high-risk IBD patients can improve outcomes and reduce costs by shifting care from acute to outpatient settings. The RAC model is sustainable, potentially budget-neutral, and scalable to other chronic diseases and settings, as highlighted in the Sustainability section. These findings align with national quality improvement efforts to reduce unplanned care and optimize resource utilization.

What do patients need to know?
RACs provide faster, specialized access to IBD care, aiming to prevent hospitalizations and emergency visits.  Patients can expect timely appointments and coordinated care, with nurse practitioners as key contacts for urgent issues. This approach may reduce the need for hospital stays, lower healthcare costs, and improve overall disease management. Early communication with the clinic for new or worsening symptoms is essential to maximize the benefits of rapid access. The RAC model is designed to be accessible and may expand to other chronic conditions in the future.

Patients should also understand that this model supports comprehensive care, including education, medication management, and coordination with specialists, all of which contribute to better health outcomes and quality of life.

Read the Abstract

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