P1027 Optimizing IBD Medication and Therapy: An Interdisciplinary University Outpatient Approach

Abstract

Abstract Background A large proportion of patients with chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) take a wide range of different medications, which harbor a potential risk of pharmaceutical (pharm.) interactions. Furthermore, these patients frequently seek professional advice regarding additional medications or alternative treatment options. In this study, an interdisciplinary medical-pharmaceutical team conducted a standardized survey and a pharmaceutical medication check in an IBD outpatient department. The aim was to evaluate and enhance individual therapy adherence and medication safety. Methods Prior to the appointment, patients were requested to provide their current medication list and to complete a standardized questionnaire regarding their general compliance and any unmet questions or concerns about their IBD therapy. A clinical pharmacist analyzed the questionnaire and carried out a thorough assessment of the list of medications for possible interactions and the potential for improvement. One day before the patient`s appointment, the pharmacist presented his findings to the treating physician, and possible interactions were discussed. After the appointment, patients were asked to complete a second questionnaire regarding their experience and possible changes in therapy, as well as their previous concerns or responses. Results The data from Questionnaire 1 showed two main results: (I) Overall adherence to therapy was found to be sufficiently high, as most patients reported taking their medication regularly and being aware of the main principles of their therapy. (II) Many patients expressed concerns about possible long-term side effects of their therapy and indicated that they needed additional information about their medication (Figure 1A). Concerning the provided medication plan, 77% of all participants took more than 5 drugs and in 94% of the cases, no previous medication check had been performed. The involved clinical pharmacists suggested 1.3 interventions per patient and in 50% of all cases, at least one medication was discontinued or newly started (Table 1). In the follow-up survey, most patients stated that the interdisciplinary medical counseling had improved both their knowledge and their sense of security of their IBD treatment (Figure 1B). Conclusion The interdisciplinary review and monitoring of the current therapy and the individual medication of IBD patients increased patient-specific compliance and medication safety and should therefore be intensified in the future.