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Kutschera M, Waldhör T, Gröchenig HP, Haas T, Wenzl H, Steiner P, Koch R, Feichtenschlager T, Eckhardt G, Mayer A, Kirchgatterer A, Ludwiczek O, Platzer R, Papay P, Gartner J, Fuchssteiner H, Peters PG, Reicht G, Moser G, Dejaco C, Vogelsang H, Primas C, Novacek G, Miehsler W. Use of complementary and alternative medicine and low quality of life associate with the need for psychological and psychotherapeutic interventions in inflammatory bowel disease. United European Gastroenterol J 2021; 9:72-81. [PMID: 32723070 PMCID: PMC8259281 DOI: 10.1177/2050640620946874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) suffer from various symptoms, impairing their quality of life and often affecting psychosocial issues. This may lead to the need for additional psychological care. This study investigated patients' subjective need for integrated psychosomatic support and psychotherapy and indicators for it. Materials and methods This is a cross‐sectional multicentre study in Austrian IBD patients who were in routine care at 18 IBD outpatient clinics. Patients filled in an anonymous, validated questionnaire (Assessment of the Demand for Additional Psychological Treatment Questionnaire [ADAPT]) assessing the need for psychological care. The ADAPT gives two separate scores: the need for integrated psychosomatic support and for psychotherapy. In addition, health‐related quality of life and the use of complementary and alternative medicine as well as clinical and socio‐demographic variables were queried. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to estimate the effect of the previously mentioned variables on the need for additional psychological care. Results Of 1286 patients, 29.7% expressed a need for additional psychological care, 19.6% expressed a need for integrated psychosomatic support and 20.2% expressed a need for psychotherapy. In the multivariable analysis, the two strongest indicators for the need for both types of psychological care were the use of complementary and alternative medicine (for integrated psychosomatic support: odds ratio = 1.64, 95% confidence interval 1.13–2.39, p = 0.010; for psychotherapy: odds ratio = 1.74, 95% confidence interval 1.20–2.53, p = 0.004), and a low health‐related quality of life score (for integrated psychosomatic support: odds ratio = 0.95, 95% confidence interval 0.94–0.96, p < 0.001; for psychotherapy: odds ratio = 0.96, 95% confidence interval 0.94–0.97, p < 0.001). Discussion About 30% of the Austrian IBD patients expressed a need for integrated psychosomatic support and/or psychotherapy. The most important indicators for this need were the use of complementary and alternative medicine and low quality of life.
What is already known?
Despite ongoing improvement of treatment options, patients may not respond to treatment or may develop side effects. Due to this burden of disease, patients may also suffer from psychological symptoms, such as depression In our previous study in 2008, we found that 31% of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) expressed a subjective need for psychological interventions
What are the significant and/or new findings of the study?
Despite improvements in therapy, around 30% of patients with IBD express a subjective need for psychological interventions This subjective need for psychological interventions is associated with complementary and alternative medicine use and low quality of life
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Kutschera
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Waldhör
- Department of Epidemiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hans Peter Gröchenig
- Department of Internal Medicine, Brothers of St. John of God Hospital St. Veit an der Glan, St. Veit an der Glan, Austria
| | | | - Heimo Wenzl
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Pius Steiner
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Wels-Grieskirchen Hospital, Wels, Austria
| | - Robert Koch
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Gerald Eckhardt
- Department of Internal Medicine, Oberpullendorf Hospital, Oberpullendorf, Austria
| | - Andreas Mayer
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Universitätsklinikum St. Pölten, St. Pölten, Austria
| | - Andreas Kirchgatterer
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Wels-Grieskirchen Hospital, Grieskirchen, Austria
| | - Othmar Ludwiczek
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hall in Tirol Hospital, Hall in Tirol, Austria
| | - Reingard Platzer
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Wiener Neustadt Hospital, Wiener Neustadt, Austria
| | - Pavol Papay
- Department of Internal Medicine, Franziskus Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johanna Gartner
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hanusch Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Harry Fuchssteiner
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Congregation Hospital Sisters of Charity, Linz, Austria
| | | | - Gerhard Reicht
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Brothers of St. John of God Hospital Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Gabriele Moser
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Clemens Dejaco
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Harald Vogelsang
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Primas
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gottfried Novacek
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Miehsler
- Department of Internal Medicine, Brothers of St. John of God Hospital Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
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Reinisch W, Gecse K, Halfvarson J, Irving PM, Jahnsen J, Peyrin-Biroulet L, Rogler G, Schreiber S, Danese S. Clinical Practice of Adalimumab and Infliximab Biosimilar Treatment in Adult Patients With Crohn's Disease. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2021; 27:106-122. [PMID: 32634212 PMCID: PMC7737159 DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izaa078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The introduction of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors has significantly changed the treatment landscape in Crohn's disease (CD). The overall therapeutic achievements with TNF inhibitors such as infliximab, adalimumab, and certolizumab pegol paved the way to push the boundaries of treatment goals beyond symptomatic relief and toward cessation of objective signs of inflammation, including endoscopic remission. Even though these agents are widely used for the treatment of moderate to severe CD, heterogeneity still exists in translating evidence-based guidelines on the use of anti-TNF agents into actual treatment algorithms in CD. This might be due to several reasons including disparities in health expenditure policies; lack of harmonization between countries; and variations in assessment of disease severity, use of disease monitoring tools, or application of treatment targets by physicians. With the advent of biosimilars, patent-free versions of reference biologics are now available to minimize health inequalities in drug availability. In this context, this article aims to provide practical clinical guidance for the use of infliximab and adalimumab biosimilars in patients with moderate to severe CD by outlining different clinical scenarios that patients may encounter during their treatment journey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Reinisch
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Krisztina Gecse
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jonas Halfvarson
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Peter M Irving
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Jørgen Jahnsen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Gastroenterology, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Laurent Peyrin-Biroulet
- Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology and Inserm U954, University Hospital of Nancy, Lorraine University, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Gerhard Rogler
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Schreiber
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Kiel, Germany
- Clinic of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Silvio Danese
- IBD Center, Department of Gastroenterology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Milan, Italy
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Castellano F, Alessio G, Palmisano C. Ocular manifestations of inflammatory bowel diseases: an update for gastroenterologists. Minerva Gastroenterol (Torino) 2020; 67:91-100. [PMID: 32677418 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5985.20.02727-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), that includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, can affect not only the gastrointestinal tract but a wide spectrum of organs. The extra-intestinal manifestations (EIMs) are one of the most challenging aspect of IBD, playing a significant role for the lifetime care and the quality of life of patients. Ocular manifestations are the third most frequent EIMs, preceded by articular and dermatological ones. The aim of this narrative review is to describe the different types of ocular involvements, focusing on their clinical management. Uveitis and episcleritis are the most common ocular EIMs, differing for many aspects. Uveitis are unrelated with IBD activity and they even precede the onset of the intestinal disease, while episcleritis are common defined as a good mark of IBD activity. Pain is uncommon in most cases of episcleritis, while severe eye pain and photophobia are the most frequent onset of anterior uveitis. Less common but even more severe, are orbital pseudotumor or posterior segment involvement. Most of the ocular EIMs can be successfully treated with topic and oral steroids and the underlying therapy for IBD can reduce or cut out at all the recurrence of these manifestations. Symptoms are commonly not specific, in some cases being unnoticed for years leading to permanent ocular consequences. Cooperation between different specialists is crucial to avoid all the possible consequences of a non-treated EIMs, especially for ocular ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Castellano
- School of Gastroenterology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy -
| | - Giovanni Alessio
- School of Ophthalmology, Department of Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, Eye Clinic, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Carmela Palmisano
- School of Ophthalmology, Department of Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, Eye Clinic, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
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Nazarian A, Bishay K, Gholami R, Scaffidi MA, Khan R, Cohen-Lyons D, Griller N, Satchwell JB, Baker JP, Grover SC, Irvine EJ. Factors Associated with Poor Quality of Life in a Canadian Cohort of Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Cross-sectional Study. J Can Assoc Gastroenterol 2020; 4:91-96. [PMID: 33855267 PMCID: PMC8023811 DOI: 10.1093/jcag/gwaa014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Health-related quality of life (QoL) is often adversely affected in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We aimed to identify factors associated with poor QoL among Canadian patients with IBD in clinical remission. Methods We enrolled patients at a single academic tertiary care center with inactive IBD. All eligible patients completed a series of questionnaires that included questions on demographics, disease activity, anxiety, depression and the presence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. Stool sample for fecal calprotectin (FC) was also collected to assess for subclinical inflammation. The primary outcome measure was QoL assessed by the short inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire (SIBDQ), with planned subgroup comparisons for fatigue, anxiety, depression and IBS symptoms. Results Ninety-three patients were eligible for inclusion in this study. The median SIBDQ scores were lower in patients with anxiety (P < 0.001), depression (P = 0.004), IBS symptoms (P < 0.001) and fatigue (P = 0.018). Elevated FC in patients in clinical remission did not impact QoL. These findings were consistent on multivariate linear regression. Conclusions Anxiety, depression, fatigue and IBS symptoms are all independently associated with lower QoL in patients with inactive IBD. Clinicians are encouraged to screen for these important factors as they may detrimentally impact QoL in IBD patients even in clinical remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Nazarian
- Division of Gastroenterology, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kirles Bishay
- Division of Gastroenterology, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Reza Gholami
- Division of Gastroenterology, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael A Scaffidi
- Division of Gastroenterology, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rishad Khan
- Division of Gastroenterology, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel Cohen-Lyons
- Division of Gastroenterology, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nadia Griller
- Division of Gastroenterology, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joshua B Satchwell
- Division of Gastroenterology, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeffrey P Baker
- Division of Gastroenterology, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Samir C Grover
- Division of Gastroenterology, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Silva LC, Seixas RBPM, de Carvalho E. Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Impact and Predictive Factors. Pediatr Gastroenterol Hepatol Nutr 2020; 23:286-296. [PMID: 32483550 PMCID: PMC7231741 DOI: 10.5223/pghn.2020.23.3.286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children and adolescents is associated with high morbidity and possibly has a significant negative impact on their quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of life of children and adolescents with IBD and define the variables that impact these individuals. METHODS We administered the Pediatric Quality of Life Questionnaire (PedsQL) to 35 children and adolescents diagnosed with IBD and with available quantitative data from clinical records on epidemiology, clinical evolution, complementary tests, medical interventions, and disease activity. Data were evaluated according to the IBD type and compared with a control group of healthy children. RESULTS The study group showed a significantly lower PedsQL score than the control group (p<0.01). Significant factors contributing to poor overall quality of life included female sex, Crohn's disease, surgery, and food restrictions. Symptoms such as diarrhea and the fear of using public toilets were associated with low physical scores. Feeling sick had a negative impact on the emotional PedsQL scores. Patients with a fear of using public toilets, anthropometric scores below the 3rd percentile, and greater disease activity scored lower in the social domain. Regarding school and psychosocial evaluations, younger children with symptom onset after the age of 2 years had lower scores than younger children with symptom onset before the age of 2 years. CONCLUSION IBD negatively affects the quality of life of children and adolescents based on its impact on the physical, emotional, social, and psychosocial statuses of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Caetano Silva
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Brasília José Alencar Children's Hospital, Brasília, Federal District, Brazil
| | - Renata B P Melo Seixas
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Brasília José Alencar Children's Hospital, Brasília, Federal District, Brazil
| | - Elisa de Carvalho
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Brasília José Alencar Children's Hospital, Brasília, Federal District, Brazil
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Cioffi I, Imperatore N, Di Vincenzo O, Santarpia L, Rispo A, Marra M, Testa A, Contaldo F, Castiglione F, Pasanisi F. Association between Health-Related Quality of Life and Nutritional Status in Adult Patients with Crohn's Disease. Nutrients 2020; 12:E746. [PMID: 32168964 PMCID: PMC7146465 DOI: 10.3390/nu12030746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to assess health related quality of life (HRQoL) in adult patients with Crohn's disease (CD), considering disease severity and gender differences, and also its relationship with nutritional status. Consecutive adult patients aged 18-65 years with CD were recruited. Disease activity was clinically defined by the Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) in active and quiescent phases. HRQoL was evaluated using the validated short form (SF)-36 questionnaire for the Italian population. Additionally, anthropometry, bioimpedance analysis, and handgrip-strength (HGS) were performed. Findings showed that 135 patients (79 men and 56 women) were included, having a mean age of 38.8 ± 14 years and a BMI of 23.2 ± 3.7 kg/m2. Overall, active CD patients had a lower perception of their QoL compared to those clinically quiescent, while gender differences emerged mostly in the quiescent group. Interestingly, HRQoL was significantly associated with many nutritional variables, and muscle strength was the main predictor. Therefore, HRQoL is perceived lower in active compared to quiescent patients, but women experienced poorer QoL than men, especially in the quiescent phase. Finally, higher QoL scores were found in subjects being in clinical remission phase with a preserved muscle function. However, further studies are still required to verify these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iolanda Cioffi
- Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University Hospital, via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola Imperatore
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University Hospital, via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Olivia Di Vincenzo
- Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University Hospital, via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Lidia Santarpia
- Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University Hospital, via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Rispo
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University Hospital, via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Maurizio Marra
- Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University Hospital, via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Testa
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University Hospital, via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Franco Contaldo
- Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University Hospital, via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Fabiana Castiglione
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University Hospital, via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Pasanisi
- Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University Hospital, via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
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Inflammatory bowel disease and targeted oral anti-TNFα therapy. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2020; 119:157-198. [PMID: 31997768 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2019.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Antibodies have provided invaluable treatment options for many diseases, with immunotherapy revolutionising the treatment of several inflammatory disorders including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Accumulating evidence suggests that IBD results from an inappropriate response to intestinal microbes and environmental factors in genetically susceptible individuals, with overactivity of the pro-inflammatory pathways. On a pathophysiological level, IBD is a complex disease with intestinal fibrosis, stenosis and an increased incidence of cancer observed in those whose disease is inadequately controlled over time. Regulating the actions of the pro-inflammatory cytokine human tumor necrosis factor-alpha (hTNFα) through the use of anti-TNFα monoclonal antibodies (e.g. infliximab, certolizumab, adalimumab and golimumab) has proven an effective intervention for IBD with their increased use a testament of their effectiveness. These agents are administered systemically thereby causing their distribution throughout the body in a condition that is localised to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Immunogenicity, the induction of anti-drug antibodies (ADAs), serum sickness and other undesirable side effects limit their use, whilst up to 50% of patients do not respond to initial therapy. Diseases confined to the GI tract are ideal for targeting by oral therapy which mitigates side effects and allows for lower doses to be administered. Several oral anti-TNFα agents have been investigated with success but are not yet in general clinical use. This partially reflects the fact that the oral administration of antibodies has many barriers including the harsh environment of the GI tract and the presence of enzymes including pepsin, trypsin and chymotrypsin in the intestine which provide significant challenges to targeted oral therapy.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Once thought a disease of Western civilizations, the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) impose a global burden, now penetrating populations in Asia, Africa, and South America. We summarize similarities and differences in the epidemiology of IBD globally, highlighting gaps in knowledge where future study is needed. RECENT FINDINGS While incidence of IBD is stabilizing (or even decreasing) in many westernized regions, prevalence continues to grow due to a young age of onset and low mortality. In newly westernized regions, IBD is beginning to penetrate populations comparable to the rapid increases seen in North America, Europe, and Oceania in the last century. IBD imposes a significant fiscal and resource burden on healthcare systems. As global prevalence of these diseases continues to increase, we desperately need to anticipate the future burden to proactively prepare our healthcare systems for the challenges of increased patient load and aging populations with comorbid conditions and longer disease course.
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Mathias H, Heisler C, Morrison, J, Currie B, Phalen-Kelly K, Jones J. Examining the Association Between Referral Quality, Wait Time and Patient Outcomes for Patients Referred to an IBD Specialty Program. J Can Assoc Gastroenterol 2019; 3:154-161. [PMID: 32671324 PMCID: PMC7338845 DOI: 10.1093/jcag/gwz002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Most speciality inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) care can only be accessed through a referral. Timely access to specialty care has been associated with improved disease-related outcomes. To receive appropriate care, the referral needs to include high-quality information. To date, no research has explored the association between referral quality and IBD patient outcomes. The study objectives were to determine if the quality of referrals to a collaborative IBD program influenced triage accuracy, wait times and patient outcomes. Methods Two hundred referrals to a collaborative IBD program in Canada for patients with confirmed or suspected IBD were reviewed. Referral quality was evaluated using an evidence- and consensus-based metric. The association between referral quality and patient outcomes (wait time, hospitalizations, disease flares and additional referrals) for semi-urgent referrals was assessed through multivariate analysis. Results The majority of referrals for IBD speciality care were categorized as being low quality. Referral quality was not significantly associated with any of the patient outcomes; however, longer wait times significantly increased the occurrence of disease flares, hospitalizations and additional referrals while waiting for an IBD specialist appointment. Conclusion Prolonged wait times for IBD patients are significantly associated with poor patient outcomes and increased costs for the health care system. Although there is literature that suggests that referral quality may be associated with wait time, it is still unclear how it relates to wait time and patient outcomes. Moving forward, the current referral process needs to be critically addressed in order to improve wait times and patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Mathias
- Nova Scotia Health Authority, Centre for Clinical Research, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Correspondence: Holly Mathias, MA, Centre for Clinical Research, Room 321E, 5790 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 1V7, Canada, e-mail:
| | - Courtney Heisler
- Nova Scotia Collaborative IBD Program, Division of Digestive Care and Endoscopy, QEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Julia Morrison,
- Nova Scotia Collaborative IBD Program, Division of Digestive Care and Endoscopy, QEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Barbara Currie
- Nova Scotia Collaborative IBD Program, Division of Digestive Care and Endoscopy, QEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Kelly Phalen-Kelly
- Nova Scotia Collaborative IBD Program, Division of Digestive Care and Endoscopy, QEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Jennifer Jones
- Nova Scotia Collaborative IBD Program, Division of Digestive Care and Endoscopy, QEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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