October 11, 2024 from HRD Canada
Canadians living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) face significant challenges in accessing timely medical care, which has compounded both physical and mental health issues, according to a report by Takeda Canada. With 3 in 4 Canadians with IBD experiencing delays in receiving adequate care, patients and experts are calling for improvements in the healthcare approach for IBD.
Delays in Accessing Care and Their Impact
The report reveals that 43% of Canadians with IBD face extensive wait times for healthcare, with 22% waiting six months or more to see a specialist or receive treatment. These delays have led to severe impacts on patients’ health, including:
- 40% experiencing more frequent or severe symptoms
- 31% needing increased medical visits
- 28% experiencing a relapse of symptoms
- 24% requiring hospitalization or emergency care
The delays in receiving care have worsened symptoms, increased hospital visits, and exacerbated other health conditions for many patients. 81% of respondents reported experiencing negative health effects due to these delays, demonstrating the urgent need for timely and effective treatment options for IBD patients in Canada.
Mental Health Implications of IBD
The report also highlights the mental health toll on Canadians living with IBD. Patients are 1.5 to 2 times more likely to suffer from psychiatric disorders compared to the general population, with 21% diagnosed with clinical anxiety and 15% with clinical depression.
63% of IBD patients have experienced mental health issues due to their condition, and 51% report feelings of anxiety. The mental health impacts extend beyond emotional well-being, affecting work productivity and social life. Among those with mental health struggles, 90% reported missed work or reduced productivity, and 67% noted negative effects on relationships and social activities.
Patient Carla Bertelli from Calgary shared her experience, saying, “During my last flare, I started feeling the full effect of this disease on my mental health—from losing my job, feelings of isolation, failed therapies, and the impact on my family. When I raised concerns with my doctor, no support or resources were provided—they weren’t equipped to treat the whole person.”
The Need for an Integrated Care Approach
Experts advocate for an integrated care approach that addresses both the physical and mental health needs of IBD patients. Dr. Yvette Leung, associate clinical professor in the Division of Gastroenterology at the University of British Columbia, emphasizes that mental health is deeply interconnected with symptoms, quality of life, and overall treatment outcomes for IBD patients.
“Investing in an integrated care approach will help us address all facets of patient care—from training physicians and nurses to identify symptoms earlier, to offering robust treatment options and psychological support for patients managing chronic conditions like IBD,” Dr. Leung explained.
An integrated approach to care, with greater emphasis on mental health support, could help improve outcomes for IBD patients, reducing the burden on both patients and the healthcare system.
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