Improving Patient Outcomes Through the Implementation of an IBD Biologic Care Pathway

Improving Patient Outcomes Through the Implementation of a Standardized Biologic Care Pathway in the Treatment and Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Pathway in the Treatment and Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) includes a group of chronic inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal system and is composed of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. As an immune-mediated disease, IBD treatment options include the use of biologic medicines including anti-tumor necrosis alpha factor (also called anti-TNFs) medication. Despite biologic medicines being an important part of IBD management, there is inconsistency in the way these medications are used. Implementation of evidence-based, standardized biologic care pathways (BCP) can improve treatment related outcomes. Previous research has shown that using a clinical care pathway, such as a BCP, is a feasible method to support clinical decision making and may improve disease-related outcomes for patients. The researchers propose a prospective study to determine how well a BCP can be incorporated into clinical practice, improve patient health outcomes, and reduce healthcare system redundancies. Also, the impact of a BCP on outcomes for patients treated with the help of a standardized BCP compared to those in patients treated without the use of a BCP will be studied. The results of this study will inform how best to incorporate evidence-based BCPs into real-world practice and support the wide-spread adoption of BCPs in clinical practice.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Greater than or equal to age 18
• Starting an Anti TNF biologic therapy or Biosimilar

Exclusion Criteria:

• High-grade, symptomatic fibrostenotic strictures
• Perforating complications
• Intraabdominal or perianal abscesses
• Active infection,
• Known malignancy
• Any contraindication to biologic therapy