Open AccessNewly Diagnosed Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: The Relationship Between Perceived Psychological Support, Health-Related Quality of Life, and Disease Activity
Author(s) -
Kristy Engel,
Maher Homsi,
Rie Suzuki,
Karla Helvie,
Jeremy Adler,
Caitlyn M. Plonka,
Ellen M. Zimmermann
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
health equity
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.826
H-Index - 9
ISSN - 2473-1242
DOI - 10.1089/heq.2020.0053
Subject(s) - medicine , disease , inflammatory bowel disease , quality of life (healthcare) , social support , crohn's disease , medical record , mental health , physical therapy , psychiatry , psychology , nursing , psychotherapist
Background: Newly diagnosed patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) encounter many physical, mental, and social uncertainties. In other chronic diseases, patients having access to disease-specific information and psychological support adhere better to medical regimens. Currently, there is a paucity of data on how newly diagnosed patients with IBD interact with their medical providers. Methods: Patients diagnosed with IBD within 5 years completed a series of questionnaires related to heath-related quality of life (HRQoL), disease activity, health education resources, medical provider relationship, and psychological support. Results: A total of 89 patients were included in the study. IBD activity correlated with disease-specific quality of life ( r =-0.69, p <0.0001). Patient satisfaction with gastroenterologist interaction correlated with HRQoL ( r =0.33, p =0.04) and disease activity for Crohn's disease (CD) patients (Harvey Bradshaw Index, r =-0.52, p <0.001). Eleven percent of recently diagnosed patients reported receiving educational or psychological support as part of their treatment program, whereas 42% of patients believed that they would benefit from having these types of support incorporated in their treatment protocol. Discussion: In patients with newly diagnosed CD, the patients' perceived relationship with their medical provider was closely related to both HRQoL and disease activity. More attention to education, support, and the doctor-patient relationship at diagnosis could result in better patient outcomes.