title: [Inflammatory Bowel Disease Competence Network].
abstract: The Inflammatory Bowel Disease Competence Network is a network of more than 500 physicians and scientists from university clinics, hospitals and gastroenterology practices. The focus extends from the two major forms of inflammatory bowel diseases, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, into other chronic inflammatory conditions affecting the intestine, including coeliac disease and microscopic colitis. The network translates basic science discoveries (in particular in the molecular epidemiology research) into innovative diagnostics and therapy. Through its strong networking structures it supports a continuous process to improve quality and standardisation in patient care that is implemented in close interaction with European networks addressing this disease group.Optimisation of patient care based on scientifically proven evidence is a main focus of the network. Therefore, it supports and coordinates translational research and infrastructure projects that investigate aetiology, improvement of diagnostic methods, and development of new or improved use of established therapies. Members participate in various training projects, thus ensuring the rapid transfer of research results into clinical practice.The competence network cooperates with the main patient organisations to engage patients in all levels of activities. The network and the patient organisations have interest in promoting public awareness about the disease entities, because their importance and burden is underestimated in non-specialised medical fields and among the general public.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Innere Medizin, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Schittenhelmstraße 12, 24105, Kiel, Deutschland. s.schreiber@mucosa.de.
authors.forename: Stefan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Schreiber
authors.affiliation: Kompetenznetz Darmerkrankungen, Kiel, Deutschland.
authors.forename: Heinz
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hartmann
authors.affiliation: Kompetenznetz Darmerkrankungen, Kiel, Deutschland.
authors.forename: Wolfgang
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Kruis
authors.affiliation: Kompetenznetz Darmerkrankungen, Kiel, Deutschland.
authors.forename: Torsten
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kucharzik
authors.affiliation: Kompetenznetz Darmerkrankungen, Kiel, Deutschland.
authors.forename: Jonas
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mudter
authors.affiliation: Kompetenznetz Darmerkrankungen, Kiel, Deutschland.
authors.forename: Britta
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Siegmund
authors.affiliation: Kompetenznetz Darmerkrankungen, Kiel, Deutschland.
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Stallmach
authors.affiliation: Kompetenznetz Darmerkrankungen, Kiel, Deutschland.
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Witte
authors.affiliation: Kompetenznetz Darmerkrankungen, Kiel, Deutschland.
authors.forename: Klaus
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Fitzke
authors.affiliation: Gastroenterologische Gemeinschaftspraxis Minden, Minden, Deutschland.
authors.forename: Bernd
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bokemeyer
mesh_terms: D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000458:organization & administration*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005858:Germany; D006078:Government Programs / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D015212:Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D007373:Interinstitutional Relations; D017146:Models, Organizational; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration
keywords: Competence Network Inflammatory Bowel Disease; Crohn’s disease; Inflammatory bowel disease; Microscopic colitis; Ulcerative colitis