The Association of European Coeliac Societies (AOECS) has reviewed the recently published United European Gastroenterology (UEG) report, Enhancing Transitional Care in Digestive Health, and strongly agrees with its findings.
Critical Gaps in Transitional Care
The report sheds light on critical gaps in transitional care for patients with chronic digestive diseases. AOECS supports the report's recommendations and underscores the urgent need to address these challenges, particularly for individuals living with coeliac disease.
Over Two-Thirds of Physicians Lack Transition Plans for Patients
The report reveals that only 27% of physicians across Europe currently have a formal transition plan in place for coeliac patients. This lack of structured care often results in young patients falling through the cracks of healthcare systems, leading to disruptions in dietary adherence, decreased monitoring, and potentially severe health complications.
“For people with coeliac disease, the transition from paediatric to adult healthcare is not just a change of doctor—it is a critical moment that can determine long-term health outcomes,” says Veronica Rubio General Secretary of AOECS. “Health inequalities within and among EU Member States is a widely recognised problem. From AOECS, we urge Policymakers to work towards ensuring safe transitional care to coeliac patients across the EU, leading by example for other regions in the world. Coeliac disease is a life-long condition, and without proper support, young patients risk losing continuity of care at a stage when they are also developing independence in managing their condition.”
Key Challenges for Coeliac Patients Highlighted in the Report
- Dietary Adherence Risks: Adolescents transitioning to adult care often face challenges maintaining strict adherence to a gluten-free diet, particularly when healthcare systems fail to provide adequate monitoring and education.
- Lack of Awareness in Adult Care: Many adult gastroenterologists are unaware of the multi-organ, autoimmune nature of coeliac disease, leading to gaps in care.
- Absence of Structured Transition Plans: Most healthcare systems lack formalised programs tailored to the needs of coeliac patients, which are critical to ensure seamless and effective care.
AOECS’ Call to Action
AOECS advocates for better living conditions and access to health care for people with coeliac disease world-wide. As highlighted in the report, we urge Policymakers at the EU level and in EU Member States to work together with patients’ organisations towards:
- The implementation of structured, written transition programs tailored to the unique needs of coeliac patients.
- Increased education for adult gastroenterologists on the complexities of coeliac disease to ensure continuity of care.
- Pursue harmonisation and implementation of tools (including digital tools) that empower patients with their medical history and treatment requirements as they transition.
- Enhance greater collaboration between paediatric and adult healthcare providers to bridge gaps in care.
“Transitional care is about more than just medical management; it’s about equipping patients with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to thrive as they navigate life with a chronic condition,” Veronica Rubio adds. “We call on policymakers, healthcare providers, and patient organisations across Europe to prioritise the recommendations in this report and join forces to make them a reality.”
About UEG
United European Gastroenterology (UEG) is a non-profit organisation focused on advancing excellence in digestive health. Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Vienna, UEG represents over 50,000 professionals from national and specialist societies, working collaboratively to improve the prevention and care of digestive diseases across Europe. UEG’s initiatives include providing education, supporting research, and advocating for policy changes to prioritise digestive health at both national and European levels.
Read full UEG report