N12 An evaluation of the impact of IBDoc in clinical practice 5 years after introduction

K. Sugrue, S. Gleeson, J. McCarthy, M. Buckley

Mercy University Hospital, Department of Gastroenterology, Cork, Ireland

Background

Faecal Calprotectin is a well-established biomarker to measure the level of inflammation in the gut. Assessment of calprotectin is important to measure disease activity, effectiveness of treatments as well as predicting relapses in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBDoc® allows reliable testing of faecal calprotectin using a smartphone at home. IBDoc® was introduced at Mercy University Hospital in 2014 and now has 733 users. It has proved hugely popular with patients, has increased medication compliance and promoted self management. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of IBDoc® in clinical practice.

Methods

IBDoc® results were monitored over a 6 month period. A total of 240 tests were performed by patients with IBD (age 18–52 years). The results were evaluated to determine suitable clinical interventions, fast track clinic appointments, urgent colonoscopies, change of medical therapy and suitability for Virtual Clinics (VC’s).

Results

Of the 240 tests performed 40% had a normal result, 40% were moderate and 20% were high. All of the normal results avoided clinic appointments which freed up clinic time for patients with active disease and resulted in cost savings for the hospital. 70% of these patients were deemed suitable for future Virtual Clinics which resulted in further cost savings and freed up Consultant time. The majority of patients 60% had moderate or high results. The 20% of results that were high were all booked for urgent colonoscopy. All of the moderate results were fast tracked to clinic and 20% of these had a change of medical therapy.

Conclusion

This study shows the benefits of using IBDoc® in clinical practice. It is central to facilitating a fast track system for patients which results in better outcomes for patients.