Healthcare utilisation patterns and drivers amongst inflammatory bowel disease patients in the outpatient clinic
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Updated: Jun 8, 2025
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Lola J M Koppelman1, P W Jeroen Maljaars, Philip W Voorneveld
1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands.
Objective:
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), encompassing Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, impose an escalating burden on healthcare systems globally, with a rising prevalence contributing to increased costs. This study explored healthcare utilisation patterns and its drivers amongst IBD patients in an outpatient clinic.
Methods:
A longitudinal cohort study was conducted at a Dutch academic teaching hospital. IBD patients ( n = 180) were followed for 1 year and were categorised based on disease activity and consultation frequency. Healthcare utilisation was assessed through consultations and laboratory tests. Patient-reported outcomes and biochemical disease activity were measured, and subsequently the reasons for consultations were analysed.
Results:
The frequency of outpatient healthcare utilisation exceeded the recommended IBD care guidelines by two-fold. Comorbidities were the leading reason for consultations (40.4%), followed by remission induction, medication changes and pending test results. Moreover, clinical disease activity, reported problems with self-care, daily activities and pain were predictive of an increase in annual consultations.
Conclusion:
This study identified factors influencing healthcare utilisation in IBD outpatients. Personalised care pathways using eHealth technologies have the potential to reduce unnecessary consultations and optimise resource allocation.
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