Background: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have experienced changes to their usual management during the COVID-19 pandemic. We organised an anonymous survey to obtain their perspective on what impact COVID-19 had on their disease and care. Methods: 115 patients with IBD followed up in our clinics between August and October 2021 were sent a questionnaire with multiple choice questions as well as free comment sections which enabled patients to develop their answers in more detail. 53 patients returned the questionnaire until now. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in descriptive characteristics-52.8% patients were men, mean age was 53.1 years (range 18-85). 52.8% patients had Crohn's disease. Overall, 38/53 were satisfied with services provided during the pandemic and similarly, 39/53 patients reported that they were happy or very happy with the use of virtual clinics. Overall, it was surprising that 56.6% patients felt that the pandemic had no impact on their disease. Nevertheless, 20.8% experienced delay in clinic appointments, 18.9% felt uncertainty about their diagnosis and 15.1% felt programmed investigations were postponed. 41 patients had a flare and 24/41 used our Helpline to obtain advice. Only one patient reported negative experience. In the free comment section, most messages were appraising the IBD team and Helpline as a useful way of keeping in touch and receiving advice. Patient 45 wrote: I contact the team via email and am always responded to quickly. Most patients had positive views about virtual clinics, finding them easy and straightforward (31/53), with the advantage of not having to commute to hospital (28/53) and receiving good communication (26/53). 7/53 described virtual clinics as negative, rushed (8/53) and found it difficult to communicate (2/53). In the free comment section, many patients felt that there is no real substitute for a face-to-face consultation. (patient 34) Nevertheless, in the future, 28.3% patients would like to continue with face-to-face appointments, 17.0% would be happy to continue with virtual clinics. The rest was happy with both options. 27/53 patients were able to have regular blood tests with their GP, the rest used hospital or associated services. 26/53 obtained their new medications directly from hospital, 7/53 were able to contact their GP. 18 patients did not require any new medications and continued with their regular prescription. All patients have received vaccination against COVID-19. Conclusion: Most of our patients were happy with the services provided during COVID-19 pandemic and felt that the pandemic had not had a significant impact on their disease.
Views of patients with inflammatory bowel disease on their care during covid-19 pandemic