Abstract Background The Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Unit at Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for patients with IBD. The nursing team has implemented an innovative case management model that integrates social assessment and social work intervention when required, acknowledging that the social determinants of health play a decisive role in disease progression and quality of life. The aim of this study is to analyze the social profile of patients attended in the unit in order to identify the socioeconomic, occupational, and family characteristics that define this population. Methods Data from 53 patients referred by the nursing team to the social worker over the past two years were analyzed. Variables assessed included employment status, recognized disability, and social–family context. Results The most frequent intervention was social and occupational counseling related to disabilityMC1 (60%). When grouping all services related to social and occupational orientation, these accounted for 71% of case social risk was identified in 21% of patients, mainly among those aged between 55–59 years (46%) and 45–49 years (36%), affecting individuals in pre-retirement employment stages. Only 7% of patients required specific social assessment due to dependency. A total of 75% of patients were receiving psychological support while the social intervention was being performed. The population showed a generalized lack of knowledge regarding available social benefits and rights, revealing a gap between perceived needs and access to resources. Althosugh patients often develop personal adaptive strategies, these are insufficient without institutional support. MC1counseling related to disability Conclusion Coordinated work between nursing and social work significantly enhances the detection of social needs and equitable access to benefits. Systematic social evaluation should be considered an integral component of healthcare, recognizing that social vulnerability requires early identification and intervention. Early, coordinated, and proactive action substantially improves access to benefits, recognition of rights, clinical outcomes, and quality of life—particularly in working-age groups where socioeconomic impact is most severe. Conflict of interest: González Rodríguez, Macarena: No conflict of interest Bella Castillo, Pablo: No conflict of interest Gil Martorell, Daniel: No conflict of interest Vera Mendoza, Maria Isabel: No conflict of interest Matallana Royo, Virginia: I have received fees as a speaker and consultant from Abbvie, Allergan, Casen Recordati, Italfármaco S.A., Janssen Cilag S.A., Merck Sharp & Dohme Española S.A., Pfizer, Schwabe Farma Ibérica S.A.U., and Takeda Calvo Moya, Marta Isabel: I have participated in presentations / advisory boards / research supported by: AbbVie, Takeda, Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, Lilly, MSD, Chiesi, Dr Falk Pharma, Shire Pharmaceuticals, FAES, FERRING, Tillotts Pharma, Galapagos and Alfasigma Botella Mateu, Belén: No conflicts González Partida, Irene: I have received funding for training and/or promotional talks from Amgen, Abbvie, Biogen, Falk, Kern Pharma, Johnson & Johnson, Lilly, Pfizer, Takeda and Tillots. Gallardo Arriero, Vanesa: I haven’t conflicts of interest De Lucas, Rocio: No conflicts of interest to declare.
Rodríguez et al. (2026) studied this question.