Shared decision making can help IBD patients feel at ease with treatment choices
Inflammatory bowel disease (either Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis) affects an estimated 3 million Americans. Evidence has shown that patients have better health outcomes when they begin intensive treatment early, in particular starting with a combination therapy that uses at least two drugs. But treatment may have serious risks, including life-threatening infections and an association with lymphoma. Fearing adverse effects from these strong medications, patients may be hesitant to begin using them and adhere to treatment guidelines until they believe their disease is se...