Evaluation of the effectiveness of telemedical technologies in patients with digestive diseases

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The use of telemedical technologies (TMT) is widespread in providing care to patients of various profiles. However, TMTs are hardly ever used in gastroenterology, despite the extensive digitalization of healthcare. Potential sites for the use of TMTs among gastroenterological patients were assessed.

AIM: The study aimed to assess the effectiveness and benefits of TMTs in patients with digestive diseases.

1. Patients with colorectal cancer (CRC): Screening and postoperative management. The TMT intervention increased the number of patients screened for CRC compared to standard face-to-face counseling. In addition, the quality of preparation for colonoscopy was higher in patients who interacted with the physician via TMTs compared to the control group. Most studies reported positive effects of TMTs on quality of life and physical activity in patients with CRC. However, the study by K. Beaver et al. showed that the incidence of CRC recurrence did not differ in the TMT and face-to-face groups.
2. Patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): Correction of lifestyle. When assessing the use of TMTs among NAFLD patients, a significant decrease in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activity was found compared to that in face-to-face management. The results of the body mass index reduction are contradictory. The most pronounced tendency towards weight loss was observed with the telemedical follow-up of patients over a 6-month period.
3. Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Treatment and monitoring of symptoms. Two directions are distinguished in the treatment of IBS by ТМТs. The first is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). H. Everitt et al. showed clinically significant improvement in 72.8% of cases after 12 months of web-based CBT. The advantages of using telemedicine in the delivery of CBT include the geographical independence of the physician and the patient, personalization of treatment, and the possibility of ongoing support for the patient and his or her family. The second direction is the use of special diets, such as low-fermentable nutrient diets (FODMAP). Patients following the FODMAP diet supervised by the mobile app reduced symptom severity (odds ratio 55; 95% confidence interval 11–98, p=0.01). Special mobile apps (IBS Constant Care) were used to monitor the condition of patients with IBS, which analyze input data and assess severity, providing information to both the patient and the physician.
4. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Patient training and telemonitoring. The study by L. Pang et al. proved that the patients’ quality of life in the telemedicine intervention group was significantly higher (p=0.03). Another advantage of using TMTs is the provision of access to educational materials about IBD and the possibility of remote contact with the treating physician. The patient’s ability to obtain necessary information reduces the need for unplanned visits to medical facilities, thus reducing the cost of organizing medical care for patients with IBD. The degree of IBD activity and risk of recurrence and adherence to therapy did not differ significantly between the telemedicine intervention group and the standard face-to-face follow-up group.

METHODS: A literature search relevant to the review was conducted in the PubMed database. The studies taken for assessment were those on the use of TMTs among patients with IBD, IBS, NAFLD, and CRC. TMTs were used to access educational information and dietary recommendations, provide information on lifestyle adjustments and physical activity, remind patients to take medicines, consult with physicians, and assess disease activity by completing online questionnaires. The various studies used text messaging, e-mail, mobile apps, websites, and videoconferencing apps as a means of communication.

RESULTS: The use of telemedicine in the management of patients with digestive diseases showed high efficiency. TMTs contribute to:

• Improved quality of life in patients with digestive diseases.
• Increasing physical activity of patients with CRC and NAFLD.
• Improved quality of CRC screening.
• Maintaining remission of IBD and CRC as effectively as face-to-face monitoring.

Moreover, the use of TMTs allows personalized treatment, ensures the ongoing support of the patient and his or her family by the medical staff, and provides patients with access to quality educational materials about the disease.

CONCLUSIONS: Thus, the use of TMTs is promising in the treatment of digestive diseases and requires wider introduction into practice.

Keywords

telemedicine / telescreening / eHealth / digestive diseases

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