How the COVID-19 pandemic may have changed the way people living with ulcerative colitis approach healthcare

Virtual appointments and care

The survey found that while access to healthcare was impacted, virtual appointments provided a way for patients to stay connected with their healthcare providers during national lockdowns and social distancing. Of survey participants, 55% opted for virtual appointments with their doctor, compared to 13% who used virtual appointments pre-pandemic. Eighty-one percent were satisfied with the care they received virtually, and 32% of respondents said they would continue to use virtual care in the future — almost double the number of people who reported using it before the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, survey respondents did report a preference for when they would use virtual care, noting that in-person appointments were preferred when meeting a new doctor (68%), experiencing a flare (55%), or for UC prescription refills (21%).

“We need to be more dynamic in the future when it comes to appointments and work more in a hybrid mode. There should be more space for individuals to choose if they want to have a virtual or clinic visit, as we saw from the survey that whether patients prefer meeting in-person or virtually can depend on the goal of the appointment,” said Remo Panaccione, gastroenterologist.

Adapting to lockdowns and restrictions

The COVID-19 pandemic forced many people out of their comfort zone. For those living with UC, lockdowns and restrictions may have had both positive and negative impacts on the management of their UC.

A quarter of participants reported experiencing more flares during the pandemic than in 2019, and 43% said the pandemic added anxiety and stress, making controlling symptoms more difficult.

COVID-19 may have also relieved some pressures related to dealing with the symptoms of UC at work and in social situations. Some respondents agreed that fewer social outings (37%), working remotely from home (29%), and overall having less busy schedules (28%) helped them better manage their disease.

Alternative methods for managing UC

The survey suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic may have prompted some survey respondents to find new ways to manage their UC via online and digital resources.

Before the pandemic, only 19% of respondents sought and relied on information and support from patient organizations, a number that increased to 27% during the pandemic. Additionally, survey respondents reported using symptom-tracking apps more during the pandemic versus before (31% vs 23%) and said that they planned to use them after the lockdown (29%).

“The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted so many people’s lives, and for some of those living with a chronic illness like UC, it was even more disruptive. The results of this global survey offer a window into how the UC community adapted to this type of disruption, what unmet needs persist — and possibly what patients and HCPs may do differently for the next pandemic,” said Allyson S.

To learn more about UC symptoms and for resources to help talk to your doctor, visit TalkingUC.com.