Development of a Software for Treat-To-Target Strategy Implementation and Increasing Quality of Life in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

• Published in: Current health sciences journal 2020-04, Vol.46 (2), p.103-110
• Main Authors: Popa, Denisa Elena, Manea, Nicolae CĂtĂlin, Gheonea, Dan IonuȚ, PÎrlog, Mihail Cristian
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Review
• ISSN: 2067-0656; 2069-4032
• DOI: 10.12865/CHSJ.46.02.01

The management of each form of the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), represents a challenge for the clinician and patient. The treatment paradigm was shifted from achievement of a symptomatic control of the disease, to the prevention of bowel damage, disease progression and disability, and better quality of life. These goals were related with the treat-to-target (T2T) strategies developed for a proper treatment optimization. The T2T strategy is based on the assessments of the biochemical markers (C-Reactive Protein-CRP and fecal calprotectin-FCAL), clinical targets (multiple clinical scoring systems), endoscopic targets (resolution of ulceration and friability, and histologic targets. Another objective of the treatment is the obtaining of a higher level of improvement for the patient's quality of life (QoL). One of the most reliable ways for a better management of IBD is represented by the IT instruments. In this respect, we developed under the auspices of RCCC (Romanian Club of Crohn's and Colitis) between 2018-2019 a new software for collecting medical data of IBD patients, according to STRIDE recommendations, in order to have continuous access to their evolutionary history and all therapeutically aspects. The software proved to be a valuable tool for clinician with a positive impact on clinical, economic, and patient-centred outcomes in IBD.