P472 Optimising the development of apps for the management of inflammatory bowel disease and participation in clinical trials
F. Hussain1, M. DeLegge2, M. Copeman3, M.B. Gallagher2, T. Stewart2, G. Georgiev4
1Iqvia, Therapeutic Science and Strategy Unit, Reading, UK, 2Iqvia, Therapeutic Science and Strategy Unit, Raleigh, USA, 3Iqvia, Project Leadership, Reading, UK, 4Iqvia Bulgaria, Therapeutic Science and Strategy Unit, Sofia, Bulgaria
Background
Patients interested in participating in Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn’s Disease (CD) clinical trials must be in the flare to qualify for enrollment. Digital technology can be used to help detect flares based on patient-reported symptoms, share information electronically with their physicians, and increase the likelihood of eligibility on clinical trials. Moreover, early detection and treatment of flares is key to patient management and outcomes.
Methods
IQVIA utilised an electronic survey to solicit input from adult patients with UC and CD, in the USA, regarding the optimum design of an app to both detect flares for participation on clinical trials and assist physicians with patient management. Patient input was critical to designing the app with features that would help manage disease, increase communication with their physicians, and increase opportunities for participation in clinical trials.
Results
Data were collected for 134 patients with IBD (70% 46 years or older and 28% 26–45 years old). Only 23% of respondents had previously downloaded an app to help manage their IBD, however, 78% were interested. 85% would find capturing flares and electronically sharing symptom information with their doctors useful to monitoring and managing their IBD. And 88% would find notifications about clinical research studies useful. More than 61% would be likely to go to this app when they first have symptoms of a flare and enter symptoms every day. 55% would be likely to download an app that would monitor IBD flares to see if they may qualify for a clinical research study. Of those with an interest in participation in clinical research, 27% had already participated in a study. Of this same group, 92% would be likely to download an app if it would also track IBD symptoms. Inclusion of functionality for food, stress, mood, exercise and compliance were recommended by patients to assist in elucidating factors that may cause flares.
Conclusion
Patients are very interested in using an app that would help detect flares, though only a minority do so at present. They are supportive of entering symptoms and related information on a daily basis, but also expanding to inclusion of other factors which may be relevant to flares for individuals. The results of this survey were influential in the recent development of an IBD app.