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Updated: Jul 14, 2026
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Chinese Herbal Retention Enema for the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis
Published on: May 16, 2025
"Take your medicine": nonadherence issues in patients with ulcerative colitis
Lisa Turnbough1, Lindsay Wilson
1GI Division, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. lturnbou@jhmi.edu
Summary
Ulcerative colitis (UC) patients often struggle with treatment adherence. Gastrointestinal nurses can improve adherence to 5-aminosalicylates through education and patient care, enhancing therapy effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Patient Adherence Research
- Chronic Disease Management
Background:
- Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by colon inflammation and ulceration.
- Standard therapy for mild to moderate UC involves 5-aminosalicylates (5-ASA) for maintaining remission.
- Patient nonadherence to 5-ASA treatment is common, leading to disease relapse and severe symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of patient education and care in improving adherence to ulcerative colitis treatment.
- To emphasize the role of gastrointestinal nurses in enhancing treatment efficacy through adherence strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of factors contributing to nonadherence in ulcerative colitis patients.
- Identification of educational and patient care strategies for gastrointestinal nurses.
Main Results:
- Nonadherence is influenced by patient perception, disease understanding, and medication administration methods (e.g., multiple daily doses, rectal administration).
- Gastrointestinal nurses are uniquely positioned to implement interventions that improve patient adherence.
Conclusions:
- Improving patient adherence to 5-aminosalicylate therapy is crucial for effective ulcerative colitis management.
- Targeted education and patient-centered care by gastrointestinal nurses can significantly enhance treatment outcomes for UC patients.
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