Peek into Practice: How to Manage Gastroenterology

Learn more about the How to Manage Gastroenterology course and gain practical insights into the topic of paediatric gastroenterology

How to Manage: Gastroenterology

This online course provides you with a clinical approach to effectively investigate and manage common gastrointestinal presentations in children and young people.

This one-day course, hosted on Zoom, will provide you with practical and up-to-date guidance on managing the common gastrointestinal (GI) problems encountered in paediatrics.

We’ll cover chronic diarrhoea, functional GI disorders, difficult constipation and liver function tests. We’ll also explore whether probiotics have a role in GI disease and provide strategies for how to effectively support a young person with an eating disorder.

A Practical Approach to Chronic Diarrhoea

Presenter: Dr Priya Narula

Summary: This session, led by an expert speaker from Sheffield Children’s Hospital, provides a practical and educational insight into chronic diarrhoea in paediatric patients. Attendees will explore its definition, causes, and diagnostic approaches, with a focus on distinguishing functional diarrhoea from more concerning conditions. Through clinical case discussions and guidance on identifying red flags, the session equips clinicians with strategies to refine their diagnostic and management approach.

💡DID YOU KNOW? When assessing a child with chronic diarrhoea, always consider the pattern of stooling and associated symptoms—nocturnal diarrhoea and weight loss are key red flags that warrant further investigation. Early identification can significantly impact management outcomes.

Managing Difficult Constipation

Presenter: Mr Jonathan Sutcliffe

Summary: This session, led by Jonathan Sutcliffe, Consultant Paediatric Surgeon at Leeds General Infirmary, provides a comprehensive approach to managing difficult constipation in children. Attendees will explore the impact of chronic constipation on quality of life, alongside effective diagnostic methods and treatment strategies. With insights into common challenges, clinical outcomes, and resource implications, this session equips professionals with evidence-based strategies to improve patient care.

💡 DID YOU KNOW? When assessing a child with persistent constipation, consider the duration and response to treatment.

A Practical Approach to a Vomiting Child

Presenter: Dr Anna Pigott

Summary: This session, led by Dr. Anna Pigott, Consultant Paediatric Gastroenterologist at Staffordshire Children’s Hospital, provides a practical approach to managing vomiting in children. Attendees will gain insight into the common and serious causes of vomiting across different ages, along with guidance on when referral for endoscopy or specialist management is necessary. The presentation covers essential diagnostic strategies, treatment approaches, and key red flags to help clinicians distinguish between routine cases and more concerning conditions.

💡 DID YOU KNOW? When assessing a vomiting child, always consider the child’s age and associated symptoms.

An Approach to Functional GI Disorders

Presenter: Dr Mark Beattie

Summary: This session, led by Dr Mark Beattie, Consultant Paediatric Gastroenterologist at Southampton Children’s Hospital, focuses on functional abdominal pain using the biopsychosocial model. Attendees will gain insights into the classification, aetiology, and relevance of family history in recurrent abdominal pain. The presentation will explore key management strategies and the evidence base for treatment, helping clinicians refine their approach to distinguishing functional from organic causes.

💡 DID YOU KNOW? When assessing a child with recurrent abdominal pain, consider psychosocial stressors as well as medical factors—anxiety, school issues, and family environment can significantly influence symptom persistence and response to treatment. A holistic approach often leads to better long-term outcomes.

Expression of interest

Submit your details to be alerted when the course next goes live or spaces become available.

Submit your expression of interest

How to Manage: Gastroenterology

This online course provides you with a clinical approach to effectively investigate and manage common gastrointestinal presentations in children and young people.

Found an issue? Please get in touch with us:

Email us at rcpchlearning@rcpch.ac.uk