Dustin Romain, MD1, Charlotte Larson, MD1, Priya Kathuria, MD1, Daniel Aintabi, MD2, Nicholas Tedesco, BS1, Queen Saunyama, BS1, Melissa DeJonckheere, PhD1, Shrinivas Bishu, MD1, Peter Higgins, MD1, Jeffrey A. Berinstein, MD1 1University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; 2Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI
Introduction: Acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) is a life-treating presentation of ulcerative colitis (UC) that requires prompt initiation of treatment to avoid complication. Unfortunately, outcomes for ASUC are suboptimal, with as many as 20-30% of patients requiring colectomy. This can be challenging for patients and highlights the need to understand patient experiences and perspectives navigating ASUC.
Methods: A qualitative descriptive study utilizing semi-structured interviews was conducted to understand perspectives and experiences of patients navigating ASUC. Adult patients hospitalized for ASUC between January 2017 and March 2024 were eligible. Interviews were conducted both retrospectively among patients with a recent hospitalization and prospectively among patients within 24 hours of hospitalization for ASUC. Interviews were analyzed using a well-established hybrid inductive-deductive approach.
Results: Thirty-four patients (44.2% response rate) hospitalized for ASUC were interviewed. Hybrid thematic analysis uncovered five major themes: 1) the pervasive impact of UC on quality of life and mental health, 2) challenges associated with navigating uncertainty 3) prioritizing colon preservation, 4) bridging the divide between outpatient expectations and inpatient realities, and 5) balancing rapid symptom improvement with steroid safety. These themes are supported by vivid quotations from the interviewed patients. Our findings advocate for a transparent approach to care, emphasizing the need for effective communication, education, and better alignment with patient values and expectations.
Discussion: Five key themes were identified, each with significant implications for developing a more patient-centered approach to ASUC care. These themes captured meaningful insight into patient perceptions and experiences, identifying multiple areas for actionable interventions to improve care.
Note: The table for this abstract can be viewed in the ePoster Gallery section of the ACG 2024 ePoster Site or in The American Journal of Gastroenterology's abstract supplement issue, both of which will be available starting October 27, 2024.
Disclosures:
Dustin Romain indicated no relevant financial relationships.
Charlotte Larson indicated no relevant financial relationships.
Priya Kathuria indicated no relevant financial relationships.
Daniel Aintabi indicated no relevant financial relationships.
Nicholas Tedesco indicated no relevant financial relationships.
Queen Saunyama indicated no relevant financial relationships.
Melissa DeJonckheere indicated no relevant financial relationships.
Peter Higgins: AbbVie – Grant/Research Support. Connectome Coordination Facility – Grant/Research Support. GI Health Foundation – Consultant. Imedex – Consultant. Lilly – Consultant. National Institute of Health and Takeda – Grant/Research Support. Pfizer – Consultant. Takeda – Consultant. Vindico Medical Education – Consultant.
Jeffrey Berinstein indicated no relevant financial relationships.
Dustin Romain, MD1, Charlotte Larson, MD1, Priya Kathuria, MD1, Daniel Aintabi, MD2, Nicholas Tedesco, BS1, Queen Saunyama, BS1, Melissa DeJonckheere, PhD1, Shrinivas Bishu, MD1, Peter Higgins, MD1, Jeffrey A. Berinstein, MD1. P0960 - Understanding the Perspectives and Experiences of Patients With Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis in the Hospital: A Qualitative Analysis, ACG 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting Abstracts. Philadelphia, PA: American College of Gastroenterology.
