Telecare enhances the retention of patients with inflammatory bowel disease within a tertiary care inflammatory bowel disease center

Abstract

Background

Telecare is increasingly important in managing patients with chronic diseases, including patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study evaluates the impact of telecare on patient retention and access to tertiary care for patients with IBD.

Methods

We analyzed patient data from a tertiary care IBD center, comparing patterns pre-COVID (January 2018 to March 2020) and post-COVID (August 2020 to January 2023) as only post-COVID patients had availability of telecare for return visits. Patients were classified based on their visit types and drive times to the clinic. Statistical analyses were conducted using Pearson Chi Square analysis for categorical variables as well as Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis statistical tests with Bonferroni correction for multiple tests.

Results

A total of 7040 patients were included. In the post-COVID period, 62% of return visit patients chose telecare, leading to increased retention rates (nonreturning patients decreased from 14% to 8%). Returning patient retention increased for 2 to 3 hours and more than 3 hours of drive time (+10% and +14%). Telecare return patients had significantly longer drive times (median 56.1 minutes) than nonreturn (median 45.7 minutes, p = 0.007) and in-person return prior to telecare availability (median 38.8, p < 0.001) patients. Patient satisfaction scores were high for both telecare and in-person visits. Telecare patients had lower rates of emergency department visits and hospital admissions.

Conclusion

Telecare significantly enhances patient retention and access to tertiary IBD care, particularly for patients living at greater distances. The study demonstrates that telecare is an effective strategy for maintaining multidisciplinary IBD care without compromising patient satisfaction or outcomes.