Children’s of Alabama and the Univ. of Alabama at Birmingham are embarking on five-year study with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.
In an effort to confront the challenges faced by patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation recently received a transformative grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This comprehensive five-year project marks a pivotal collaboration with Children’s of Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), targeting the identification and resolution of barriers hindering the diagnosis and care of individuals affected by IBD.
Traci Jester, M.D., associate professor of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at UAB, is a project co-investigator. The project holds promise in transforming the approach to IBD management. The grant encompasses a three-part strategy; the first phase involves patient recruitment at both the Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinic at Children’s and the UAB Gastroenterology Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinic.
The study aims to comprehensively address barriers to timely diagnosis and care through data collection initiatives. The initial phase involves survey-based assessments covering a variety of factors such as psychological resilience, socio-economic status and healthcare access. Then, patient-centric focus groups comprised of a cohort of patients from the initial phase of the study will delve deeper into the challenges faced and identify potential solutions.
As the study unfolds over its five-year span, the final phase will focus on developing and testing strategic interventions. These interventions aim to bridge the gaps in disease awareness among the public and specific demographics while also focusing on educating primary care providers to ensure timely referrals to specialists.
The choice of UAB as the collaboration site for this groundbreaking study stems from its robust research infrastructure, diverse patient population and track record of successfully investigating health disparities across various medical fields. This partnership builds on previous collaborations, signifying a shared commitment to improving patient care and advancing IBD research.
IBD encompasses chronic inflammatory conditions affecting various sections of the gastrointestinal tract. Both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, two well-known inflammatory bowel conditions, affect large numbers of children throughout the country. Jester highlighted that while Crohn’s disease can impact any part of the gastrointestinal tract, ulcerative colitis typically involves inflammation in the colon.
“Both adults and children can be diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease, but the incidence in diagnosis is actually rising in the pediatric population,” Jester said. “We’re seeing younger and younger patients being diagnosed—roughly 25% of all patients with inflammatory bowel disease are identified before the age of 18.”
One of the primary barriers to prompt diagnosis and treatment revolves around a lack of awareness among both patients and health care providers regarding the prevalence and symptoms of IBD. Jester explained how this can lead to delayed referrals and inadequate support for patients, compounded by socioeconomic factors like transportation issues and limited resources.
Jester expressed enthusiasm for this pivotal project and its potential to enhance care for all patients affected by IBD. The collaboration between UAB, Children’s and the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation reflects a concerted effort to create tangible improvements in disease management and patient outcomes.
“We’re very excited about this project here at UAB and partnering with such a national organization as the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation,” Jester said. “We’re very much looking forward to improving care for all of our patients.”