McGill University and the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre Montreal, QC, Canada
Introduction: Onset of the COVID-19 pandemic triggered changes to healthcare delivery from in-person to virtual visits. The study objective is to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted healthcare for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Methods: An online survey using closed- and open-ended questions was conducted in English and French among Canadian adults ( >18 years) with IBD (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, IBD-unclassified). Survey questions were specific to patient experiences receiving healthcare for IBD during the COVID-19 pandemic. Descriptive statistics, frequency tabulations and qualitative analysis were used to analyze data.
Results: Preliminary analysis of 158 respondents (mean age 34.3 (sd 10.3), 87% female, 52% university degree or higher, 90% white) show that 44% received all IBD care virtually, 4% received all care in-person, 51% used both modalities and 2% did not receive care during the pandemic. Of those that received virtual care, 38% were totally satisfied, 51% were somewhat satisfied, and 11% were not satisfied with the care received. Virtual visits were done mostly using phone calls. Respondents classified access to healthcare providers during the pandemic as easier (14%), about the same (61%) or more difficult (25%) compared to before the pandemic. Virtual visits were a good option for follow-up visits and simple checkups as respondents indicated they were safe, timely and convenient and avoided travel and parking costs. Some respondents felt listened to but others felt rushed, dismissed and in need of a physical examination. For patients starting with a new doctor, virtual visits left them feeling disconnected. When the doctor missed the virtual visit, respondents expressed difficulties rescheduling the appointment. Going forward, respondents want to continue having options for: virtual visits by either phone and videoconferencing; online access to test results and scheduling of appointments; email communication with the nurse/doctor; and faxing prescriptions to the pharmacy.
Discussion: During the pandemic, most respondents had received some of their IBD healthcare virtually and were satisfied with the care received. The majority reported having about the same access to their IBD healthcare providers as before the pandemic. Despite needing to improve some virtual services such the rescheduling of missed virtual visits, nearly all survey respondents wanted virtual health care to continue into the future.
