Mapping the Ulcerative Colitis Patient Journey in Saudi Arabia from Healthcare Professionals' Perspective: A...

Background/Objectives: The burden of ulcerative colitis (UC) is increasing in Saudi Arabia (KSA), and patients with UC often suffer from delays in diagnosis and appropriate management. This study investigates the current UC patient journey in KSA from the healthcare professionals' (HCPs) perspective. It aims to evaluate treatment patterns, identify critical gaps, and provide insights to guide interventions that enhance the quality of life for UC patients in KSA. Methods: Quantitative interviews were conducted with 60 HCPs (45 gastroenterologists and 15 internal medicine specialists) from different regions in Saudi Arabia (KSA) using a Computer-Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) system. The survey domains included clinical symptoms, diagnostic testing, endoscopic scoring, treatment goals, and medication sequencing. Results: Data were collected from 60 HCPs with an average of 17 ± 12.5 years of experience. Most patients with UC were referred by general practitioners (28%), internal medicine physicians (25%), followed by surgeons (16%). The first-ranked treatment goals were clinical remission (53.3%), endoscopic remission (35%), and improvement of quality of life (33.3%). For outpatient moderate-to-severe UC, the most common first-line treatments are oral systemic steroids (34%), 5-aminosalicylates (5-ASAs) (26%), and TNF-α inhibitors (21%). While second-line treatment rankings were TNF-α inhibitors (23%), followed by Interleukin 12/23 inhibitors (19%), and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors (14%). Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulators are not well-utilized due to a lack of availability (88%), unfamiliarity with the treatment (24%), and formulary exclusion (12%). Conclusions: In conclusion, most UC patients are referred by general practitioners. Treating gastroenterologists prioritize clinical remission as a treatment goal. Corticosteroids remain overutilized as reflected by treating physicians' responses. The underutilization of advanced therapies underscores the need for enhanced education and improved access to integrate emerging therapies effectively.