Lower GI Diagnostic Pathway
Assess and investigate lower GI symptoms with confidence
Practical, step-by-step pathways for assessing, investigating and referring adults and children with lower GI symptoms. Evidence-based and peer-reviewed, following NICE guidance and endorsed by the RCN and RCGP.
A step by step guide for Primary Healthcare Professionals
Why the pathway was created and how it can help you in your clinical practice.
Created December 2025.
Why these resources matter
Clear, consistent clinical pathways support fast and accurate assessments of lower GI symptoms. These pathways help standardise decision-making and reduce unnecessary variation in care. Complementary patient facing resources can also help patients know what to expect.
Reduce time to diagnosis
Increase consistency in care.
Support informed patient conversations
How the pathways are relevant for secondary heath
Created December 2025.
Explore the pathways
Use these pathways to support structured history taking, guide appropriate investigations, and reduce delays in diagnosis.
Adult pathway
A concise reference tool for assessing lower-GI symptoms in adults. Designed for use before or during consultations.
Scope overview:
Paediatric pathway
A concise reference tool for assessing lower-GI symptoms in children and young people. Designed for use before or during consultations.
Scope overview:
Making the most of these resources
FAQs for clinicians
How should I use these pathways in practice?
Are these pathways aligned with NICE guidance?
Can I share this website with patients?
How often are these materials updated?
