DOP03 Gaps between ECCO quality standards of care and the real world: the E-QUALITY survey on processes and outcomes

Abstract

Abstract Background The European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation (ECCO) Position Paper on Quality-of-Care (QoC) proposed essential standards on process and outcomes for units that manage patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The E-QUALITY taskforce investigated whether gaps between these standards and real-world practice exist. Methods A 74-question web survey accessible to all institutions affiliated with ECCO was developed. One delegate per institution was requested to respond. A descriptive analysis was done. Results From March to October 2023, 166 centres from 28 different countries replied to the survey (Fig.1). At diagnosis, disease extent is assessed by colonoscopy in 96% and completed by small bowel (SB) evaluation in 43%. At least 2 biopsies from each segment are obtained in 55%. SB investigation for Crohn’s disease (CD) takes place in 60%. 54% of centres provide access to endoscopy with deep sedation for the majority of patients. To assess treatment response, faecal calprotectin is used in 65%, endoscopy in 54%, cross-sectional imaging for CD in 36%. In the case of primary failure of any drug, therapeutic decisions are based on objective measures of inflammation in 98%. A scheduled monitoring protocol for asymptomatic patients is followed in 42%. Patients with prolonged use of corticosteroids are being switched to a steroid-sparing treatment in 84%, but there is no protocol to track or act upon high steroid exposure in 43% of centres. 72% centres monitor metabolic bone health. Only 51% of units screen IBD patients for colorectal cancer, but screening is done with high-definition endoscopy in 92%. Chromoendoscopy with targeted biopsies is performed in only 47% units. Patients with perianal fistula are managed by combined medical and surgical approach in 67%, and reassessment by clinical and endoscopy and/or pelvic MRI is done in 62%. Laparoscopic approach for intra-abdominal surgery is used in 76%, and preoperative nutritional assessment in 62%. Patients receive therapies to prevent post-operative recurrence based on risk factors in 70%, standard endoscopy within 6-12 months after surgery is done only in 52% of centres. Although only 8% of centres lack a defined protocol to manage acute severe ulcerative colitis flares, 13% lack a standard algorithm, and 36% do not involve the surgeon in this setting from day 1. 38% of centres have a paediatric to adult transition clinic. The main reason for not adhering to ECCO standards are difficulty of providing tests in a timely fashion in up to 83% of centres. Conclusion Our survey has revealed significant gaps between ECCO standards and real-world practice. These results will help ECCO improve initiatives to help institutions to provide standard QoC. 1) Fiorino et al. JCC 2020;14:1037-48