Familial GI Cancers Unit
The ENABLE Study (Equitability of Insurance Access to Biologics and its Impact on Effectiveness)
Details of Research
Contact: Reka Thanabalan, Research Coordinator
416-586-4800 ext 7636
Primary Investigator: Dr. Geoffrey Nguyen
Co-investigators: Drs. Justina Sam, Smita Halder, Richmond Sy, Nilesh Chande
Enrolment: Ongoing
Objective: Objective is to formally assess the time interval from application for coverage of anti-TNF therapy (including Remicade and Humira) to first dose for privately vs. publicly insured patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and to study whether potential delays in access to this therapy will have an effect on health outcomes such as hospitalization or surgery.
Expectation: If this study were to show that inequalities in access to drugs exists based on type of insurance, we can take steps to work with Ontario health policy makers to reform the public drug coverage program.
Eligibility: Biologic Naïve patients over 18 years of age who have a confirmed diagnosis of IBD (either Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis) and have applied for Remicade or Humira therapy after January 1, 2007 with one of the gastroenterologists at Mount Sinai Hospital.
Exclusion:
- Patients who have undergone IBD-related surgery within the 12 months prior to application for drug coverage
- Patients who are part of a clinical study in which biologic therapy is being provided as part of the research protocol
Participation:
- Signing a consent form allowing us to review your medical charts, contact coordinators for Remicade and Humira for collection of information relevant to your IBD diagnosis and treatment with biologics, and allowing CIHI (the Canadian Institute for Health Information) to locate information about you that is held in its Discharge Abstract Database with regards to surgeries, and hospitalizations.
- If you have applied for, but not started on your biologic therapy you will be asked to fill out a 5-10 minute questionnaire asking you about your demographic information including your education background and income. You may wish to complete the questionnaire online by providing us with your e-mail address, so that a link to the online version can be forwarded to you
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM): Prevalence and Longitudinal Impact on Adherence to Conventional Therapy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Details of Research
Contact: Reka Thanabalan, Research Coordinator
416-586-4800 ext 7636
Primary Investigator: Dr. Geoffrey Nguyen
Enrolment: Complete
Objective: Objective is to gain insight into why patients use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), the different types of CAM, and perceived benefits that will help us better understand patients and potentially lead to better care.
Expectation: This study will provide helpful information as to how CAM impact adherence to more conventional medicines and help us develop strategies to help patients balance the need or desire to use CAM but at the same time not compromise their health.
Eligibility: All patients seen in out-patient clinics at Mount Sinai Hospital over 18 years of age who have a confirmed diagnosis of IBD (either Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis).
Status Update: Updated as of Winter 2012 by Reka Thanabalan
Participant Tally: 600
We would like to sincerely thank all of our study participants. This research couldn't be possible without your cooperation.
Articles:
Click on the underlined links to read the abstract summaries.
The SAFE Study (Survey on Awareness of Extraintestinal Inflammatory Bowel Disease)
Details of Research
Contact: Reka Thanabalan, Research Coordinator
416-586-4800 ext 7636
Primary Investigator: Dr. Geoffrey Nguyen
Co-investigators: Dr. Vivian Huang
Enrolment: Ongoing
Objective: Objective is to assess inflammatory bowel disease patients' awareness of extra intestinal manifestations associated with inflammatory bowel disease and inquire about where patients obtain their information on IBD.
Expectation: An asssessment of IBD patients' awareness of complications related to their bowel disease will help to identify areas in patient education that require improvement. This is an an area of patient management that might be a barrier to patient compliance with medications and follow up. If there is a true lack of awareness, educational forums and other events may be beneficial to the IBD patient population.
Eligibility: All patients seen in out-patient clinics at Mount Sinai Hospital over 18 years of age who has a confirmed diagnosis of IBD (either Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis).
Participation: Participation is very brief and involves completing a 10 – 15 minute questionnaire on information resources and support, opinion regarding possible symptoms that may/may not be associated with inflammatory bowel diseases & questions about some personal information such as age, gender, and ethnicity.