Stakeholder-identified barriers and enablers to ultrasound implementation in inflammatory bowel disease services in the UK: a qualitative interview study.

Objectives: The study sought to explore and better understand the perceptions and experiences of stakeholders in relation to the use of ultrasound for the assessment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in adults in the UK.

Design: A qualitative semistructured interview study, using template analysis and normalisation process theory, was undertaken.

Setting: Interviews were conducted using virtual meeting software.

Results: Fourteen participants were enrolled between 2nd of June 2021 and 6th of September 2021. Participants were from the following roles: medical gastroenterology and radiology doctors, IBD nurse specialists, patients living with IBD, healthcare service managers. Participants reported that perceived barriers included reliance on established imaging and care pathways, reluctance to change, lack of trust in ultrasound in relation to perceived lack of precision and the initial financial and time outlay in establishing an ultrasound service. Participants were enthusiastic for the uptake of ultrasound and discussed enablers to ultrasound uptake including the benefits to patients in terms of reduction in waiting times and earlier diagnosis and treatment allocation, reduced number of hospital appointments and patients having better understanding of their health.

Conclusion: There are perceived barriers to achieving implementation of ultrasound. There is scant literature to effectively assess these reported barriers. Therefore, there is further research required in the areas of the impact of the use of ultrasound for the assessment of IBD in the UK.