Pan-European Study presents results at major European Gastroenterology Congress: HCD Economics

Pan-European Study presents results at major European Gastroenterology Congress

Data drawn from a pan-European observational study was presented at the United European Gastroenterology Week in October 2019. The study is notable as it draws patient level data submitted by physicians which is matched to patient reported data from the same patients. This contributes valuable real-world evidence of the economic and social burden of Ulcerative Colitis which informs rational decision making when assigning health care resources and setting healthcare priorities for the treatment and effective care of Ulcerative Colitis patients.

Nearly 1700 matched patient and physician reported records have been analysed and the study presents results that characterize the socioeconomic burden and health related quality of life of Ulcerative Colitis across the 10 European countries that participated in the study. Evidence includes cost data, derived from national unit price data. Future interrogation of the database is encouraged by the research team, comprising Crohn’s & Colitis UK, University of Chester and the Economic research group, HCD Economics. The study was governed by an international Expert Review Group.

New Ulcerative Colitis study shows non-medical and indirect costs are a substantial proportion of overall cost of UC

In data presented at the recent European United Gastroenterology Week scientific meeting, non-medical and indirect costs have been collected for people with UC. The data illustrates that a substantial proportion of the overall cost of UC can be shown to be non-direct medical and indirect costs, including work time missed, presenteeism, and work productivity. The study has collected data on two groups of patients; one group with moderate to severe UC and another group with moderate to severe patients that achieved mild UC or remission at initiation of documentation period. The total number of patients is 1658, for each patient economic data was collected including physician and self-reported data – in a matched sample.

The preliminary results contribute valuable real-world evidence of the economic and social burden of Ulcerative Colitis which informs rational decision making when assigning health care resources and setting healthcare priorities for the treatment and effective care of UC patients. Further analysis of the study database will be undertaken and submitted for peer review publication.

The study was undertaken by Crohn’s & Colitis UK, University of Chester and the Economic research group, HCD Economics. The research team collaborated on the design of the study, HCD Economics undertook the recruitment of participants and provide experts to undertake economic analysis. The study was governed by an international Expert Review Group.

More than 1600 people living with Colitis give their voice to important quality of life study

At a recent European gastroenterology meeting, data was presented from more than 1600 people with Colitis, from 10 countries across Europe, with the results highlighting the impact on quality of life, work and productivity for people living with condition.

The study showed that two thirds of people with Colitis experience pain and discomfort and over half have experienced anxiety and depression due to their condition. The important first findings from this study contributes to evidence that the burden Colitis can have on people living with the condition.

The data has been collection through patients, carers, healthcare professionals and researchers working together, known as Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE). This means that people living with Colitis have shared their experiences, which was then matched to their records to confirm their diagnosis and clinical information.

This European study provides a powerful evidence base to inform UC understanding and a rational, evidence led basis for budget allocation. The experience of patients in Asia/United States would be similarly compelling and the research team would welcome future investment in an equivalent study outside Europe.