P392 A mobile application to monitor Inflammatory Bowel Disease patients during intravenous biologic treatment: Results of a feasibility study
Van Erp, L.W.(1);Groenen, M.J.M.(1);Heida, W.(1);Wisse, J.(1);Roosenboom, B.(1);Wahab, P.J.(1);
(1)Rijnstate Hospital, Crohn & Colitis Centre- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Arnhem, The Netherlands
Background
Active monitoring of IBD patients during intravenous (iv) biologic treatment is recommended but time-consuming and inconvenient for both patients and nurses. We developed a mobile application to promote self-management and monitor IBD patients cost-effectively during iv biologic treatment. We aimed to study the feasibility of the mobile application.
Methods
A prospective cohort study was performed in a secondary care centre with adult IBD patients treated with infliximab (iv) or vedolizumab (iv) for at least three months. The mobile application was used during four rounds of iv biologic treatment (figure 1). The application includes information modules and a personal interactive timeline with messages one week prior to iv biologic treatment (figure 1). Patients are asked to fill in a health check prior to each treatment to screen for contra-indications, such as respiratory infections or severe side-effects. Patients can also note any particularities or request contact with the IBD nurse. Blood tests are performed before every other infusion. Previously, patients were contacted by telephone prior to each biologic treatment by the IBD nurse. Using the application, patients are only personally contacted in case of abnormalities or upon request.
Results
Of 55 included patients, 52 patients completed the study. Mean age was 42 years (min 19 – max 68), 71% had Crohn’s disease, 76% had clinically quiescent disease, 85% used infliximab and 15% vedolizumab. Most patients used internet for over three years (98%) and their smartphone or tablet every day (98%). Compliance to health checks and blood tests was 67% during the 1st round of biologic treatment and 70%, 87% and 80% during the 2nd, 3rd and 4th round respectively. Patients used the application between median 6 (IQR 5 – 9) and 8 (IQR 5 – 11) times per round of biologic treatment. Patient satisfaction with the application was median 8 (VAS score, IQR 7 – 9). Prior to the 1st round of biologic treatment, all patients (100%) were contacted by telephone as in previous standard care. Using the application the number of patients requiring telephone contact decreased to 47%, 35% and 49% before the 2nd, 3rd and 4th round respectively. Patients remained equally satisfied with IBD care: median VAS score 8 (IQR 8 – 9) before and after implementation of the mobile application. The majority of patients (92%) wanted to continue using the application after the study ended.
Figure 1 Study procedures
Conclusion
Monitoring of IBD patients treated with biologics using a mobile application is feasible. We saw a high compliance and satisfaction of patients, and reduction of health-care utilization. Almost all patients preferred using the application over previous standard care.