Abstract
Background
Inflammatory bowel disease affects women during their reproductive ages. IBD-related pregnancy knowledge has been reported to be low among women with IBD. We developed a specialized consultation clinic to educate and optimize the management of IBD.
Aims
We aimed to assess IBD-related pregnancy knowledge among the patients referred to the clinic, and whether this clinic improves IBD-related pregnancy knowledge.
Methods
Adult women with IBD who were seen in the Preconception and Pregnancy in IBD clinic, University of Alberta, were invited to participate. Demographics, reproductive history, IBD history, CCPKnow (Crohn’s Colitis Pregnancy Knowledge) survey were obtained. The clinic offers protocolled education, clinical and objective disease monitoring throughout pregnancy and postpartum. Upon completion of follow up (postpartum 3 to 12 months), CCPKnow was reassessed. Pre and post CCPKnow scores were compared using student t-test for raw scores and chi-square test for rank.
Results
A total of 99 (47 CD, 52 UC) mothers completed baseline surveys, CCPKnow 10 (IQR: 8 - 13); 22.2% poor, 36.4% adequate, 21.2% good, 20.2% very good. Of these, 37 (13CD and 24 UC) completed postpartum CCPKnow surveys: 13.5% poor, 35.1% adequate, 16.2% good, 35.1% very good. Analysis showed that 21.6% had no change in score, 62.2% improved by at least 1 point, 62.2% remained in the same level, 29.7% improved their level. Of the 7 patients with poor baseline knowledge, all 7 improved CCPKnow score, 3 (42.9%) improved at least 1 level. Of the 14 patients with adequate baseline knowledge, 8 (57.1%) improved CCPKnow score, 4 (28.6%) improved at least 1 level.
Conclusions
A specialized consultation clinic improves IBD-related pregnancy knowledge among women with IBD. Further investigation into whether this protocolled clinic improves maternal and fetal clinical outcomes is currently in progress.
Funding Agencies
CAGWCHRI, CEGIIR, University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine