Comparative Analysis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Management: Hospital-based Versus Community-based Care

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) encompasses chronic gastrointestinal disorders characterized by recurrent inflammation. Achieving mucosal healing and preventing disease progression are primary treatment goals.

This study aimed to compare disease characteristics, medication utilization, procedures performed, and hospitalizations between IBD patients treated in hospital and community settings using the Leumit Health Service database.

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from the Leumit Health Service, comprising 3020 patients diagnosed with IBD from January 2010 to December 2019.

Patients were divided based on primary care setting: hospital-based or community-based. Data included demographic characteristics, disease type, medication usage, procedures, and outcomes. Statistical analyses assessed differences between groups.

Hospital-treated patients were significantly younger (49.4±18.4 vs. 40.4±18.7, P <0.001 ), had higher rates of Crohn's disease (45.9% vs. 71.4%, P <0.001), exhibited higher inflammatory markers (calprotectin 768±2182 vs. 1305±2526, P <0.001), lower albumin (4.23±0.27 vs. 4.12±0.32, P <0.001), hemoglobin levels (13.4±1.6 vs. 12.9±1.6, P <0.001), and lower BMI (26.2±5.3 vs. 24.6±5.6, P <0.001) compared with community-treated patients. Hospital-treated patients had more endoscopic procedures, higher medication utilization rates, shorter treatment durations, and increased hospitalization occurrence (12.1% vs. 23.6%, P <0.001), length (0.67±3.34 vs. 1.45±5.88, P <0.001), and colectomies (4.73% vs. 15.8%, P <0.001).

Disparities exist in IBD management between hospital and community settings, influenced by disease severity and treatment approaches. Hospital-based care is associated with more aggressive disease and intensive interventions, while community-based care may reflect milder disease and conservative management. Integrating specialized care models and personalized approaches across settings can optimize patient outcomes and health care delivery for IBD management. Further research is needed to understand these disparities' underlying mechanisms and develop comprehensive care strategies.