Infusion Appointment Self-Management Among Adolescents With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Transition of Care
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Management

Background:

• Adolescents and young adults with IBD face challenges during the transition from pediatric to adult care.
• Biologic therapies are crucial for managing IBD in this population.
• Ensuring patient independence in managing infusion appointments is vital for treatment adherence and disease control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the ideal and actual ages of independence for self-managing infusion-related tasks in adolescents and young adults with IBD.
• To identify gaps in self-management skills prior to the transition to adult care.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to 236 adolescents and young adults (aged 13-22) with IBD receiving infusion biologic therapy.
• The survey collected data on the ideal and actual ages for independently scheduling, remembering, and attending infusion appointments.
• 168 completed questionnaires were analyzed.

Main Results:

• The ideal mean age for independence in managing infusion tasks was reported as 17.9 years.
• Among patients 18 years and older, only 55% independently scheduled appointments, 79% remembered appointments, and 54% transported themselves to appointments.
• A significant portion of young adult IBD patients are not independently managing their biologic infusion care.

Conclusions:

• Adolescent and young adult IBD patients ideally should manage biologic infusion tasks before age 18.
• Current data indicate a gap, with over half of patients aged 18+ not fully independent in managing infusion appointments.
• This highlights an educational opportunity to improve health outcomes for IBD patients through enhanced self-management support.