Patients' Experiences at the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Outpatient Clinic During the Pandemic—Healthcare Service Offer and Apprehension of Consequences of COVID‐19

ABSTRACT Aim The COVID‐19 pandemic caused substantial changes in the routine management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this study was to survey the experience and the concerns of patients at the IBD outpatient clinic two years after the beginning of the pandemic. Subjects and Methods Patients (≥ 18 years old) from the Oslo University Hospital IBD outpatient clinic were recruited during follow‐up visits. A written self‐report questionnaire covering various aspects on COVID‐19 and medical care was answered. Results A total of 609 IBD patients were included. 387 (63%) patients reported a history of COVID‐19 and the vaccination rate was 98%. Patients reported feeling safe when visiting the outpatient clinic (97%) and were satisfied with the information they received (92%). One‐fifth of patients believed that IBD increased the risk of COVID‐19, whereas 43% believed that medical treatment for IBD increased the risk of COVID‐19, a higher percentage compared to 2020. One in five patients had cancelled scheduled hospital visits due to COVID‐19 and 10% had preferred phone consultation. Only 21 (3.7%) patients self‐discontinued their medical treatment, indicating good adherence to both treatment and follow‐up. Conclusion Most patients were satisfied with the healthcare services and the information provided at the outpatient clinic, although concerns about COVID‐19 and IBD treatment persisted. There was good adherence to physical follow‐up and treatment.