The demands on healthcare resources continue to escalate, with the COVID pandemic having exacerbated the existing pressures from an aging population living longer and with more complex health conditions. Changes to traditional practices are essential if healthcare services are to keep pace with the increased demands. Developments in digital App technology have the ability not only to improve the health of patients, but also to save money, through rapid optimisation of treatment. They enable early interventions through monitoring, before conditions get too serious and reduce the need for routine check-up appointments and procedures. This frees up limited resources in both pathology and the clinic. The BÜHLMANN IBDoc was the first calprotectin home test to be introduced to the market back in 2015. Since then, there have been numerous publications demonstrating the correlation of the IBDoc result from the test performed by the patient in their own home, to the results of professional laboratory analyses. More importantly there is also evidence of the correlation to the IBDoc calprotectin results to the endoscopic and histologic findings of disease status. From the clinical perspective the test undoubtedly fits the bill. Dr Pushpakaran Munuswamy, Department Lead. Gastroenterology, Basildon University Hospital introduced the IBDoc to support their IBD patients in the summer of 2020 commented that: “From my perspective I am seeing a difference already, because we can escalate treatment within a day or two of requesting the calprotectin test. Previously there was a wait of around 4 – 6 weeks or even longer depending on when the sample is taken and the capacity in the labs. Hopefully, in the future we will see the benefits of this rapid response in terms of reduced hospitalisations and clinic visits because patients have had timely interventions. It will also reduce calls to the helpline because we know the results and have been able to act quickly.” But, how do the patients feel about the changes that have been introduced? Kezia Allen Pathology project specialist conducted a survey after the IBDoc had been in use for 2 years, with around 250 patients actively using the system in Basildon. Responses to the survey were received from 22% of eligible patients with two thirds being female and a third being male. Roughly two thirds had Crohn’s disease and a third had Ulcerative colitis. The mean age of the respondents was 43 years ranging from 22 to 75 years. “Anecdotally, it seems to be the older patients that are more engaged with the home testing, and even the more senior patients which has been surprising, but maybe it is to be expected. These are the patients that have lived with the consequences of the disease for longer and are keen for things not to deteriorate.” Patients’ Experience of the IBDoc Assay Overall satisfaction with the test was high: This high level of satisfaction was also reflected in the results and aftercare with the IBDoc: Patient comments included: Calprotectin Home Testing - What do the patients think? Kezia Allen, Associate Practitioner – Clinical Trials, Basildon Hospital Having the result straight away, instead of weeks waiting, is so beneficial as you can start on the medication you require. Absolutely love it! I actually get upset when they send out a normal stool sample test and not the IBDoc. Perspective 6
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