The Medical Care Process of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases in Canada

What is it about?

This study provides the perspective of two parties – patients and physicians – at different points in time across the continuum of IBD care and treatment. This made it possible to depict the evolution of the patient-physician relationship, particularly in terms of trust. From a theoretical perspective, this study helps to fill a gap regarding the differences in patient and physician perceptions of the IBD medical care process. Six aspects related to the experience of the medical care process are considered from the perspective of both parties to better understand their contribution to the development of a trusting patient-physician relationship: (1) the patients’ cognitive and emotional reassurance; (2) satisfaction with the discussion held with the physician; (3) perceived stress levels; (4) confidence in the proposed treatment; (5) involvement in care; and (6) satisfaction with the improvement of their condition.

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Why is it important?

The results of this study have shown that building trust between physicians and patients is an important characteristic that optimizes the medical process and monitoring of IBD. Mutual trust generates a climate that is conducive to a productive exchange of information concerning patients’ emotions, concerns, symptoms, treatment options and side effects to optimize both the appropriateness of treatment and the quality of services. Empowering patients to take charge of their illness, find information, explore potential treatment options and their side effects, recognize and report symptoms, and become involved in the treatment selection process leads to better management of the illness.

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