Key patient related factors in the management of inflammatory bowel disease

Background: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a lifelong illness typically starting during the teen years in patients with an appreciable negative impact on health-related-quality-of-life (HRQoL). However, more needs to be known about the effects of IBD on work productivity, daily activities and HRQoL to guide future decision making including priorities for resource allocation with an increasing prevalence of IBD as well as years with disability. In addition, concerns that indirect costs may not always be considered by payers within reimbursement and funding decisions. Methods: Survey among Austrian patients with IBD using robust instruments. Results and Conclusion: IBD does have a substantial burden reducing HRQoL and work productivity and increasing work absenteeism, with differences between those with ulcerative colitis and Chron’s disease. Productivity reduction was associated with reduced HRQoL. Improved HRQoL should be a focus of future treatments and funding decisions, which is particularly important for patients with IBD. However, indirect costs may not always be a focus among reimbursement authorities.