Patients with Ulcerative Colitis Are More Concerned About Complications of Their Disease than Side Effects of Medications.

Background: Patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) are often fearful about medication side effects and how the disease will affect their future. Our aim was to better understand what aspects of UC, and UC management, are most concerning to patients, and how they would like to be informed about treatment options.

Methods: A Web-based survey was sent to UC patients throughout the United States and Australia.

Novel Statistical Approach to Determine Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Patients' Perspectives on Shared Decision Making.

Background: Limited information is available on patients' perspectives of shared decision-making practices used in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine patient insights regarding shared decision making among patients with IBD using novel statistical technology to analyze qualitative data.

Methods: Two 10-patient focus groups (10 ulcerative colitis patients and 10 Crohn's disease patients) were conducted in Chicago in January 2012 to explore patients' experiences, concerns, and preferences related to shared decision making.

Gastroenterologists' Views of Shared Decision Making for Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Background: There is limited information on gastroenterologists' perspectives of shared decision making (SDM) in discussions of therapeutic agents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients.

Aims: To examine gastroenterologists' perspectives about SDM with IBD patients, using a novel statistical hybrid approach to analyze qualitative data.

Methods: Physician interviews and online surveys were conducted from a panel of gastroenterologists in April 2012.