Remote Monitoring of Patient-Reported Outcomes in Ulcerative Colitis: A Prospective Real-World Pilot Study

Abstract

Introduction: The 6-point version of the Mayo score relies on two patient-reported outcomes (PRO2): stool frequency and rectal bleeding. We assessed the feasibility and acceptability of remote online PRO2 reporting for golimumab-treated ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. Patients and Methods: This was a UK-based, multi-centre, prospective, real-world, non-interventional pilot study. Eligible patients completed PRO2 scores at baseline and every 4 weeks over a period of 6 months. Demographics were collected at baseline and a satisfaction questionnaire was completed at study end. Each patient provided data anonymously via an online platform. Results: Fifty-two patients enrolled in the study. Mean (SD) patient age was 40.8 (13.6); 52% were male. Patients provided data on a personal computer (44%), mobile phone (38%) or tablet (18%). Forty-seven (90%) patients completed the baseline questionnaire within the accepted time range. Subsequent scores were reported on time by eligible patients with a success rate of 94%, 92%, 90%, 87%, 90% and 81% at end of months 1–6, respectively. Conclusions: Remote monitoring of PRO2 in UC was feasible amongst the sample tested. Of those initially willing to provide data in this way, attrition was low. Formal roll-out of this system could be used to support a more frequent assessment of UC symptoms without over-burdening the healthcare system.