DII Mentoring Project— Patient Associations as a Catalyst for Quality-Of-Life Improvement and Positive Economic Impact in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Author(s)
Pedro Cardoso, MSc1, Joana Sousa, MSc1, Ana Sampaio, MSc2, Joana Pais, MSc2, Idalina Fernandes, MSc3.
1MOAI Consulting, Lisboa, Portugal, 2Associação Portuguesa da Doença Inflamatória do Intestino (APDI), Matosinhos, Portugal, 3Portugal Human Design School, Porto, Portugal.
1MOAI Consulting, Lisboa, Portugal, 2Associação Portuguesa da Doença Inflamatória do Intestino (APDI), Matosinhos, Portugal, 3Portugal Human Design School, Porto, Portugal.
OBJECTIVES: The DII Mentoring Project was implemented by APDI (Portuguese Association of Inflammatory Bowel Disease) in 2020 as an informal support and mentoring program for people with IBD. The main objective of this work is to evaluate the Quality of Life (QoL) impact and to estimate the economic benefit of the program.
METHODS: Participants completed a baseline clinical and demographic questionnaire, along with the SF-36 MOS, HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and PSS-10 (Perceived Stress Scale) questionnaires, which were administered annually through year 4. SF-36 scores were converted to EQ-5D index scores using the algorithm validated by Rowen et al. A mixed-effects model was fitted to covariates, with the EQ-5D index score as the dependent variable. The program’s global societal value was estimated using the Portuguese Willingness to Pay (WTP) threshold of 14,784€/QALY, as described by Woods et al.
RESULTS: Until 2025, 102 participants were included: 59 mentees and 43 mentors. Most mentees were female (85%); 44% had ulcerative colitis, 51% Crohn's disease, and 5% unspecified colitis. Duration of disease was significantly higher for mentors (15 vs. 1, p < 0.001). In all QoL dimensions evaluated, mentees showed significant (p<0.05) improvement by year 3. After the first year, mentees had a 0.12-unit increase in EQ-5D index score (Wilcoxon, p < 0.05). Initial disease severity (β -0.079, p < 0.001) and disease control (β -0.057, p < 0.001) were the only factors impacting QoL improvement. Disease control improved in 77% of participants. The program’s global economic impact was estimated at +26,611€/year.
CONCLUSIONS: This project shows that mentoring projects can be relevant to improving QoL and disease control in patients with IBD. The economic impact of such projects is relevant and should be integrated in a national strategy of care proximity and personalization.
METHODS: Participants completed a baseline clinical and demographic questionnaire, along with the SF-36 MOS, HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and PSS-10 (Perceived Stress Scale) questionnaires, which were administered annually through year 4. SF-36 scores were converted to EQ-5D index scores using the algorithm validated by Rowen et al. A mixed-effects model was fitted to covariates, with the EQ-5D index score as the dependent variable. The program’s global societal value was estimated using the Portuguese Willingness to Pay (WTP) threshold of 14,784€/QALY, as described by Woods et al.
RESULTS: Until 2025, 102 participants were included: 59 mentees and 43 mentors. Most mentees were female (85%); 44% had ulcerative colitis, 51% Crohn's disease, and 5% unspecified colitis. Duration of disease was significantly higher for mentors (15 vs. 1, p < 0.001). In all QoL dimensions evaluated, mentees showed significant (p<0.05) improvement by year 3. After the first year, mentees had a 0.12-unit increase in EQ-5D index score (Wilcoxon, p < 0.05). Initial disease severity (β -0.079, p < 0.001) and disease control (β -0.057, p < 0.001) were the only factors impacting QoL improvement. Disease control improved in 77% of participants. The program’s global economic impact was estimated at +26,611€/year.
CONCLUSIONS: This project shows that mentoring projects can be relevant to improving QoL and disease control in patients with IBD. The economic impact of such projects is relevant and should be integrated in a national strategy of care proximity and personalization.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
CO73
Topic
Clinical Outcomes, Economic Evaluation, Patient-Centered Research
Topic Subcategory
Clinical Outcomes Assessment
Disease
Gastrointestinal Disorders, No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas