Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

West Hertfordshire Inflammatory Bowel Disease Technology Study

This study, called the West Hertfordshire Inflammatory Bowel Disease Technology Study, is looking at Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), which include conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Doctors use various tools and tests to diagnose and monitor IBD, such as endoscopies, but sometimes there can be differences in how these results are interpreted. This study aims to find better ways to measure and understand the disease using information already collected during routine care. By looking closely at these measurements, the researchers hope to develop new, more reliable methods that can help doctors make clearer decisions for patients with IBD. It's an observational study, meaning researchers will watch and learn from how things are done now.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

Perspectum

Enrolment target

200

Start

31 Jan 2022

Estimated completion

30 Sep 2026

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

What is this study about?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a group of conditions that cause ongoing inflammation in your gut. The two main types are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. These conditions can cause uncomfortable symptoms like stomach pain, weight loss, diarrhoea, and bleeding. There isn't a cure for IBD right now, and the number of people getting it is increasing worldwide, with around 600,000 people affected in the UK.

To diagnose and keep an eye on IBD, doctors currently use several methods. One common and very important method is called an endoscopy, where a thin tube with a camera is used to look inside your digestive system. Other methods include scans and looking at tissue samples under a microscope. While these methods are very useful, sometimes different doctors might interpret the results slightly differently, which can make it a bit trickier to get a perfectly consistent picture of the disease.

This study is all about trying to make these measurements better. The researchers are looking back at old patient information and also following new patients to see how their IBD is diagnosed and monitored. They want to find new, more accurate ways to measure different aspects of the disease using the information gathered from standard tests. The aim is to create clearer, more objective ways for doctors to assess IBD, which could ultimately lead to better care and understanding of these conditions for patients.

Key takeaways

This study aims to improve how we diagnose and monitor Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
It uses information from routine tests you'd already have for your IBD.
Participation means no extra tests, medicines, or appointments for you.
The goal is to develop more accurate measurements for IBD.
Findings could help doctors make clearer decisions for IBD patients in the future.
You can withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to both men and women who are 16 years old or older. You might be able to join if you have known or suspected Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and are about to have tests like an endoscopy, or if you already have IBD and are being monitored by your doctor and have had these kinds of tests before.

It's important that you are willing and able to understand what the study involves and give your permission to take part. Researchers will make sure to explain everything clearly.

However, you won't be able to join if you are pregnant or think you might be. Also, if the study doctors think that taking part could put your health at risk, or if you have another serious health condition that might make it difficult to participate safely, you wouldn't be able to join. The age range for participants is specifically between 18 and 80 years old.

Quick self-check

Are you 18 to 80 years old?
Do you have known or suspected Inflammatory Bowel Disease?
Are you scheduled for or have recently had routine IBD check-ups or tests (like endoscopy)?
Are you willing to have your routine medical information used for research?
Are you NOT pregnant or think you might be?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

This is an observational study, which means you won't be asked to try any new treatments or change your existing medication. Instead, the researchers will collect information from your routine medical appointments, tests, and procedures that you would have anyway for your Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) care. You won't have extra visits or assessments specifically for the study. The study looks at your diagnosis, how your condition is assessed, and how it's monitored over time. There isn't a specific total duration mentioned for each individual's participation, as it depends on how long your routine care is being observed.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study involves very low risk, as you won't undergo any extra tests or treatments beyond your usual care. The main benefit is that your information will help doctors understand IBD better and develop more accurate ways to assess the disease, potentially improving treatment decisions for future patients. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

West Hertfordhsire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Watford, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?

IBD is a condition where your gut becomes inflamed. The two main types are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, both of which can cause challenging symptoms.

Will I have to take new medicine or extra tests?

No, this is an observational study. You will not be given new medicines, and you will not have any extra tests specifically for the study. All information will come from your usual care.

What will researchers do with my information?

Researchers will use information collected during your routine IBD care to find better ways to measure the disease severity and how it responds to treatment, aiming for more precise diagnosis and monitoring.

Will my participation affect my current medical care?

No, taking part in this study will not affect the medical care you receive from your doctors. Your treatment decisions will continue to be made by your healthcare team.

Can I change my mind about being in the study?

Yes, you can decide to leave the study at any point. This decision will not affect your relationship with your doctor or the quality of your care.