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World J Gastroenterol. Jan 21, 2014; 20(3): 829-842
Published online Jan 21, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i3.829
Published online Jan 21, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i3.829
Distance management of inflammatory bowel disease: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Vivian W Huang, Krista M Reich, Richard N Fedorak, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2X8, Canada
Author contributions: Huang VW designed the study and wrote the manuscript; Huang VW and Reich KM performed the systematic review and meta-analysis; Fedorak RN contributed to the systematic review and meta-analysis, and reviewed the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Vivian W Huang, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Alberta, Zeidler Ledcor Centre, 130 University Campus, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2X8, Canada. vwhuang@ualberta.ca
Telephone: +1-780-2481031 Fax: +1-780-2481041
Received: August 15, 2013
Revised: September 15, 2013
Accepted: September 29, 2013
Published online: January 21, 2014
Revised: September 15, 2013
Accepted: September 29, 2013
Published online: January 21, 2014
Core Tip
Core tip: Distance management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) involves the use of telemedicine, web-based intervention, telephone clinics, patient directed open access clinics, and other methods that incorporate patient self-management strategies to manage patients remotely. This systematic review and meta-analysis of six randomized controlled trials shows that distance management of IBD significantly decreases clinic visit utilization, and can improve quality of life in certain groups. Consideration should be made in tailoring distance management approaches to select IBD patient populations.