CALM

CALM

How to support general practitioners in implementing guideline-concordant fecal calprotectin testing for children with chronic abdominal complaints. Research
How to support general practitioners in implementing guideline-concordant fecal calprotectin testing for children with chronic abdominal complaints.
This project supports general practitioners in the appropriate use of fecal calprotectin testing through tailored implementation strategies, aiming to reduce unnecessary referrals and improve care for children with chronic abdominal complaints.

Children with chronic abdominal complaints are frequently referred to hospital, even though many can be managed appropriately in primary care. Fecal calprotectin (FCal) is a valuable test that helps general practitioners distinguish inflammatory bowel disease from non-inflammatory conditions.

This project develops and evaluates tailored implementation strategies to support guideline-based use of FCal testing. By improving diagnostic decision-making, we aim to reduce unnecessary referrals, lower the burden on children and families, and support sustainable implementation in daily practice.

Relevance

What we want to achieve

We aim to identify implementation strategies that help general practitioners use FCal testing appropriately and consistently according to the NHG guideline. Ultimately, this should contribute to better diagnostic decision-making, more efficient use of healthcare resources, and improved patient experiences.

Timeline

  1. The CALM project has started!

    Posted

    A meeting with all stakeholders was organized to discuss roles, responsibilities, and contributions within the project. In addition, the first interviews and focus group discussions have been completed.

External members

  • Marieke van den Berk-Bulskink, Pharmacist and implementation fellow Dutch Institute for Rational Use of Medicine (IVM)

Contact

University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG)
Department of Primary and Long-term Care
CALM
Internal postcode FA21
P.O. Box 196
9700 AD  Groningen

Visiting address

UMCG
Department of Primary and Long-term Care
Oostersingel | entrance 47 | building 50 | 2nd floor
Groningen
The Netherlands