Retrospective analysis of characteristics of Tami users, a digital patient companion for inflammatory bowel disease.

OBJECTIVES

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition causing gastrointestinal inflammation. Digital health tools like the Tami app support symptom tracking, medication adherence, and personalized care. This study examines demographics, clinical characteristics, medication use, and symptom and patient-reported outcome (PRO) tracking behaviors among Tami app users in Germany.

METHODS

This retrospective analysis included data from 2059 users aged ≥18 who registered between June 2023 and December 2024. Demographics, clinical characteristics, medication usage, and symptom/PRO tracking behavior were assessed. Group differences were analyzed using chi-square tests. Medications were categorized as conventional (aminosalicylates, azathioprine, methotrexate, corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors), advanced (biologics, small molecules), or other (painkillers, antidiarrheals, and vitamins/supplements).

RESULTS

Of the 2059 users (mean age: 34.5 years; 73.8% female), 49.4% had ulcerative colitis (UC) and 49.2% had Crohn's disease (CD). Conventional therapies were used by 60.0% and advanced therapies by 57.1%. CD patients were more likely to use advanced therapies (70.0%) than conventional treatments (43.5%) (χ2 = 143.5, p < .0001). Users diagnosed 3-5 years earlier had higher advanced therapy use (χ2 = 90.1, p < .0001) and lower conventional therapy use (χ2 = 44.1, p < .0001) than those diagnosed within 2 years. Younger users (18-25 years) and those recently diagnosed (0-2 years) were more likely to track symptoms. The most frequently tracked PRO was the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication 9.

CONCLUSION

The Tami app is primarily used by younger, female IBD patients. Symptom tracking is highest among younger and recently diagnosed users. These findings underscore the app's potential as a digital tool to support IBD management.