VAlidation of an 8-item-questionnaire predictive for a positive caLprotectin tEst and Real-life implemenTation in primary care to reduce diagnostic delay in inflammatory bowel disease (ALERT): protocol for a prospective diagnostic study

摘要

IntroductionDiagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in primary healthcare is challenging and often associated with a considerable diagnostic delay. This delay is associated with worse disease progression and outcomes. Although testing for faecal calprotectin is a useful screening tool to identify patients who need endoscopy for IBD, the widespread use may not be appropriate due to the low prevalence of patients with IBD among all patients attending a general practitioner (GP) with gastrointestinal symptoms. To increase the appropriate application of the faecal calprotectin test, an 8-item questionnaire, the CalproQuest, has been developed to increase pretest probability for a positive test result.