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UM Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Program

Research

The University of Maryland Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program is actively involved in clinical research. We have a strong interest in improving delivery of health care to patients with IBD using telemedicine systems. We previously demonstrated that a home telemanagement system could be implemented successfully in patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and that patient acceptance of the technology was excellent. Currently, we enrol patients in a clinical trial to assess the effectiveness of home telemanagement compared to best available care. Patients with ulcerative colitis will be taught how to use a refurbished laptop in their homes to answer a series of questions regarding symptoms of ulcerative colitis. In addition, patients will be asked questions about medication side effects, adherence to medications and will weigh themselves weekly using a portable scale. Patients will also receive educational prompts and questions to improve knowledge of their disease. Results are automatically downloaded to a secure server at the University of Maryland and reviewed by research staff. Any changes in management can then be made at the discretion of the treating physician. The overall goals of this study are to improve ulcerative colitis management by intensive monitoring of disease symptoms and medication side effects. A similar home telemanagement system is being designed for patients with Crohn’s disease.

We are also actively involved in disparities research in patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. We have found subtle differences between Caucasians and African American in the extent of disease, disease severity, and use of medications for treatment. We are planning to evaluate whether differences exist in care by race and to explore reasons for any possible disparities using a national sample of Veteran patients. We are interested in physician performance measures; we have an ongoing study to evaluate physician compliance with infliximab prescribing guidelines.

We currently are not offering any industry sponsored clinical trials at our center; however we anticipate participating in new drug trials within the next six months.


This page was last updated on: September 20, 2007.
For more information about our services or treatment options or to refer a patient to the IBD Program, please call 410-706-3387.