Laura Wingate: Improving All Aspects of Care for IBD Patients

While more and more treatments have come on the market in recent years for the treatment of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Biologics have revolutionized care in this regard and the expectation is that in the coming years there will still be more than garner approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

But there still are areas of care that need improvement.

Access remains an issue, particularly in rural areas and minority communities.

In addition, there are places to grow in terms of collaboration with other specialists outside of gastroenterology to improve the spectrum of care.

In an interview with HCPLive® during the 2023 Crohn’s and Colitis Congress in Denver, Laura Wingate, Executive Vice President, Education, Support, & Advocacy at Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, spoke about the current state of IBD care and where improvements can be made in the next few years.

Wingate also spoke about the main role of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation and what is gained by attending a conference such as the Crohn’s and Colitis Congress.

“Our role is to educate the health care professionals on all the advancements that are being made, all of the latest treatment options, all the best practices to ensure optimal care of the patient,” she said. “As well as weaving in the patient perspective and the patient experience.”

One area that might lead to some improvements is the utilization of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Patients are very receptive to telemedicine,” Wingate said. “Gerontology community likes telemedicine, but has some reservations, especially when it comes to a newly diagnosed person.”