Impact of an Education Program on Ibd Patient’s Skills: Results of A Randomized Controlled Multicenter Study (Ecipe)

Abstract : Background A better patient’s knowledge on their Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) could improve its outcome and quality of life. The aim of this study was to assess if an education program improves IBD patients’ skills as regards to their disease. Methods The GETAID group conducted a prospective multicenter randomized controlled study. IBD patients were included at diagnosis, or after a significant event in the disease course. Patients were randomized between “educated” or control groups for 6 months. Education was performed by trained healthcare professionals. A psycho-pedagogic score (ECIPE) was evaluated by a “blinded” physician at baseline and after 6 and 12 months (M6 and M12). The primary endpoint was the increase of ECIPE score at M6 of more than 20%. Results 263 patients were included in 19 centers (Male:40%; Median age:30.8; CD:73%). 133 patients were randomized in the educated group, and 130 in the control group. The median relative increase of the ECIPE score at M6 was higher in the educated group as compared to the control group (16.7%(0-42.1%) vs 7%(0-18.8%) respectively p=0.0008). The primary endpoint was met in 46% vs 24% of the patients in the educated and control groups respectively (p=0.0003). A total of 92 patients met the primary endpoint. In multivariate analysis, predictors of an increase of at least 20% of the ECIPE score were randomization in the educated group (OR=2.59) and no previous surgery (OR=1.92). Conclusion These findings support the set-up of education programs in centers involved in the management of IBD patients.