The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Patients With Ulcerative Colitis: Results From a Global Ulcerative Colitis Patient Survey

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges around disease management, lifestyle changes, and provision of care for patients (pts) with ulcerative colitis (UC). The survey aimed to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted pts with UC and assessed overall disease management, telehealth use, healthcare experience, perceived quality of care, emotional well-being, reliance on alternative support systems, and preferences for virtual/in-person interactions with doctors. Disease management before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic reliance on alternative support systems for management of ulcerative colitis Prior to the pandemic During the pandemic Plan to do after the pandemic Have never done or plan to do Talked openly with their doctor about how their disease impacts their life 54% 54% 44% 17% Set goals with their doctor for managing their disease 48% 46% 40% 25% Communicated with a nurse at their doctor’s office between appointments 45% 40% 34% 32% Used an online patient portal to contact their doctor’s office or see lab results 31% 47% 33% 32% Used social media to connect with other patients or learn about ulcerative colitis 24% 39% 27% 46% Used symptom tracking or disease management apps 23% 31% 29% 48% Relied on information from patient advocacy groups 19% 27% 22% 54% Relied on patient support groups 15% 22% 22% 59% Had virtual appointments with their doctor 13% 55% 32% 31%