Patient Preferences for Virtual Versus In-Person Care in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Digital Health
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Telemedicine adoption in gastroenterology has surged, with virtual interventions proving effective for disease control.
• However, patient satisfaction and perceptions of virtual clinics in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) care are not well understood.
• This study investigates factors influencing IBD patient preferences for clinic formats.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify clinical, demographic, and socioeconomic predictors of clinic format preference in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
• To understand patient-driven factors influencing the choice between in-person and virtual gastroenterology appointments.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 1,005 adult patients diagnosed with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
• Data on demographics, clinical factors, and patient experiences were collected via a structured questionnaire.
• Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis identified independent predictors of virtual clinic preference.

Main Results:

• 44.4% of patients preferred virtual clinics, while 55.6% preferred in-person appointments.
• Prior telehealth exposure (OR=4.10) was the strongest predictor for virtual care preference.
• Patients on subcutaneous injections or oral medications favored virtual care, whereas ulcerative colitis diagnosis predicted a preference for in-person visits. Ease of access and technology use supported virtual choices, while privacy concerns and poor communication deterred them.

Conclusions:

• Previous telehealth use and home-based therapies are key drivers for virtual gastroenterology clinic adoption.
• Disease characteristics, intravenous treatment reliance, and privacy concerns may necessitate in-person care.
• Healthcare systems should adopt tailored, hybrid care models rather than uniform digital strategies to optimize patient care and resource allocation.