Telemonitoring for IBD Goodness Examination in Russia

This is a prospective, randomized study to assess the impact of telemedicine (telemonitoring, tele-education and tele-consultation) on the patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The main study objective is to evaluate the impact of telemedicine on the quality of life in IBD. The secondary study endpoints are to determine disease activity, the number of IBD relapses, to investigate rate of leukopenia in patients taking azathioprine, to determine medication adherence, psychological well-being and satisfaction with medical care in the telemedicine group in comparison with the face-to-face follow-up group. Moreover, we aim to evaluate association between secondary outcomes and QoL. It is planned to enroll 64 patients. The study duration is 18 months (12 months - patient enrollment, 6 months - telemonitoring). The study consists of 3 stages. The first stage is selection of patients with IBD after treatment in the gastroenterology department. The second stage is face-to-face appointment and general recommendations (for the observation group); monthly completion of questionnaires on the web-platform, possibility to contact with doctor via chat or phone call, access to educational information; a monthly phone call to each patient from to answer any questions or concerns they may have and to interview them according to the checklist (for the intervention group). The third stage is the evaluation of IBD activity (re-hospitalization after 6 months), number of IBD relapses, quality of life, frequency of leukopenia in patients receiving azathioprine therapy, medication adherence, psychological well-being and satisfaction with medical care.