Healthcare utilisation patterns and drivers amongst inflammatory bowel disease patients in the outpatient clinic.

OBJECTIVE: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), encompassing Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, impose an escalating burden on healthcare systems globally, with a rising prevalence contributing to increased costs. This study explored healthcare utilisation patterns and its drivers amongst IBD patients in an outpatient clinic.

METHODS: A longitudinal cohort study was conducted at a Dutch academic teaching hospital. IBD patients ( n  = 180) were followed for 1 year and were categorised based on disease activity and consultation frequency. Healthcare utilisation was assessed through consultations and laboratory tests. Patient-reported outcomes and biochemical disease activity were measured, and subsequently the reasons for consultations were analysed.

RESULTS: The frequency of outpatient healthcare utilisation exceeded the recommended IBD care guidelines by two-fold. Comorbidities were the leading reason for consultations (40.4%), followed by remission induction, medication changes and pending test results. Moreover, clinical disease activity, reported problems with self-care, daily activities and pain were predictive of an increase in annual consultations.

CONCLUSION: This study identified factors influencing healthcare utilisation in IBD outpatients. Personalised care pathways using eHealth technologies have the potential to reduce unnecessary consultations and optimise resource allocation.