Pfizer surveyed ulcerative colitis patients and gastroenterologists finding that people living with UC are suffering from life-altering symptoms.
Pfizer developed the survey with the help of an advisory panel, which included Crohn's and Colitis Foundation members. Researchers surveyed a total of 301 U.S.-based ulcerative colitis patients and 149 U.S.-based gastroenterologists. The patients and physicians were compensated for their participation.
Here's what you should know:
1. Researchers determined making improvements to patient-physician dialogue could potentially influence disease management.
2. Among patients, 64 percent said the disease controlled their life.
3. Sixty-three percent of patients said they spent more time in the bathroom than anywhere else.
4. Sixty-nine percent of patients said they'd be more successful people if it wasn't for their ulcerative colitis.
5. Approximately 28 percent of patients altered life plans concerning future family expansion because of the disease.
6. Concerning physicians, 66 percent said more than half of their patients believe the urgency associated with going to the bathroom is "part of living with the disease," while 53 percent of physicians said patients accept the pain and cramping associated with ulcerative colitis as "just part of living with UC."
7. The survey also found that patients weren't comfortable talking with their provider about UC, and that physicians wanted more educational and support resources.
"These survey results highlight the unfortunate reality that some patients accept their symptoms as their way of life with UC," Crohn's & Colitis Foundation President and CEO Michael Osso said. "This underscores the need for patients and gastroenterologists to more effectively communicate about all aspects of the disease."
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