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. 2017 Oct;8(4):272-278.
doi: 10.1136/flgastro-2017-100807. Epub 2017 Mar 29.

Implementing a self-management strategy in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): patient perceptions, clinical outcomes and the impact on service

Seth Ian Squires  1 , Allan John Boal  1 , Selina Lamont  1 , Graham D Naismith  1
Affiliations

Implementing a self-management strategy in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): patient perceptions, clinical outcomes and the impact on service

Seth Ian Squires et al. Frontline Gastroenterol. 2017 Oct.

Abstract

Introduction: Patient self-management and its service integration is not a new concept but it may be a key component in the long-term sustainability of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) service provision, when considering growing disease prevalence and limited resources.

Methods: The IBD team at the Royal Alexandra and Vale of Leven Hospitals in the Clyde Valley region developed a self-management tool, called the 'flare card'. Patients were asked to complete a questionnaire which reflected their opinion on its viability as a self-management intervention. In addition, its utility in terms of service use over a 10-month period in 2016 was compared with a similar cohort of patients over 10 months in 2015.

Results: Patients overall felt that the 'flare card' was a viable self-management tool. Positive feedback identified that the intervention could help them aid control over their IBD, improve medication adherence, reduce symptoms and reflected a feeling of patient-centred IBD care. The comparison between 2015 and 2016 service use revealed a significant reduction in IBD and non-IBD service usage, Steroid prescribing and unscheduled IBD care in the flare card supported cohort.

Conclusions: IBD services must continue to adapt to changes within the National Health Service bearing in mind long-term sustainability and continued care provision. The 'flare card' goes further in an attempt to optimise Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis management by harmonising clinician evaluation and patient's self-initiation of therapy and investigation.

Keywords: CROHN'S DISEASE; INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE; ULCERATIVE COLITIS.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Patient feedback on the effectiveness of the Flare Card.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Patient feedback on whether an electronic Flare card would be worthwhile.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Patient feedback on the Flare Card.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Reasons for patient contact.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Comparison between 2015 and 2016 cohorts.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Cost benefit analysis.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Mesalazine dosing regime.
Figure 8
Figure 8
Symptom recognition.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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