P0211Social Determinants of Health in IBD Care: A National Survey of Dutch IBD Nurses

Background Social determinants of health (SDoH) increasingly influence outcomes and equity in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), yet little is known about how nurses, central in patient contact and care coordination, identify and manage these issues. This study evaluated Dutch IBD nurses’ experiences with SDoH, perceived clinical impact, current screening and referral practices, and support needs. Methods A national cross-sectional online survey (IBD-SocioNurse) was distributed to IBD nurses and nurse specialists across academic and peripheral hospitals in the Netherlands. The questionnaire assessed demographics, frequency of observed social challenges, perceived impact on clinical outcomes, and screening/referral behaviour. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics Results Eighty-two nurses participated (95% female; mean age 46.3 ± 9.8 years; 85% working in peripheral hospitals). Financial difficulties (80%) and work/education problems (76%) were the most commonly observed social issues, followed by social isolation (37%). Food insecurity (21%), discrimination (13%), and housing instability (10%) were also reported. Most nurses perceived SDoH as having a large or very large impact on symptoms and disease activity (79%), treatment adherence (67%), healthcare utilisation (64%), and no-show rates (69%). Despite this, 72% reported not using any structured SDoH screening. Common barriers included uncertainty about referral options, limited access to social support services, and insufficient consultation time. Nurses expressed clear needs for a brief screening tool (49%), a structured referral pathway (40%), and direct access to social work (27%). Conclusion Dutch IBD nurses recognise the substantial influence of SDoH on patient outcomes but lack structured tools and referral pathways to address them effectively. Implementing brief screening instruments, clear social-care referral routes, and improved access to support services could enhance equity and person-centredness in IBD care. References: The Impact of the Social Determinants of Health on Disparities in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2022;20(11):2427–2434. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2022.03.011. PMID: 35305860. Nguyen NH, Khera R, Ohno-Machado L, Sandborn WJ, Singh S. Prevalence and Effects of Food Insecurity and Social Support on Financial Toxicity and Healthcare Use by Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2021;19(7):1377–1386.e5. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2020.05.056. PMID: 32479729 Integrating the Social Determinants of Health into Nursing Practice: Nurses’ Perspectives. J Nurs Scholarsh. 2020;52(6):606–616. doi:10.1111/jnu.12594. PMID: 32654364. Social Determinants of Health: What Are They and How Do We Screen. Orthopedic Nursing. 2022;41(2):133–138. doi:10.1097/NOR.0000000000000833. PMID: 35358126. Conflict of interest: Mrs. Al Kuhaili, Nour: No conflict of interest Maljaars, Jeroen: No conflict of interest