Patient perceptions of current and potential inflammatory bowel disease diagnostic and monitoring tests

Less invasive inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) tests are increasingly being incorporated into clinical practice as adjuncts to endoscopy to monitor disease activity and guide optimal care. Little is known about patient perspectives of these tests.

To assess patient perspectives of the current IBD tests and potential future tests, such as saliva, urine or breath.

New Zealand adults with IBD were invited to complete an anonymous online survey. Experiences relating to blood or faecal tests, medical imaging (abdominal ultrasound, abdominal computed tomography and magnetic resonance enterography) and colonoscopy were collected.

Of the 117 completed surveys, 112 respondents provided background details. The majority (85%) of participants were female and 88% were aged <55 years with a mean disease duration of 8.98 years. General blood tests were reported as the most prescribed, completed, comfortable test and the least worrying test results. Imaging tests were reported as the least ordered and the most refused tests. Colonoscopy was rated as the least comfortable and generated the most worry. Test explanations by a referring clinician significantly impacted on respondents' levels of understanding across all tests, but did not affect the level of worry when receiving test results. Saliva, blood and breath tests were chosen as the most preferred disease monitoring tests.

Patients with IBD preferred any tests less invasive than colonoscopy. An explanation by referring doctor enhanced patients' understanding, but did not necessarily influence their level of comfort or worry.