1.Medication adherence in inflammatory bowel disease.
Webber CHAN ; Andy CHEN ; Darren TIAO ; Christian SELINGER ; Rupert LEONG
Intestinal Research 2017;15(4):434-445
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic idiopathic inflammatory condition with intestinal and extraintestinal manifestations. Medications are the cornerstone of treatment of IBD. However, patients often adhere to medication poorly. Adherence to medications is defined as the process by which patients take their medications as prescribed. Treatment non-adherence is a common problem among chronic diseases, averaging 50% in developed countries and is even poorer in developing countries. In this review, we will examine the adherence data in IBD which vary greatly depending on the study population, route of administration, and methods of adherence measurement used. We will also discuss the adverse clinical outcomes related to non-adherence to medical treatment including increased disease activity, flares, loss of response to anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy, and so forth. There are many methods to measure medication adherence namely direct and indirect methods, each with their advantages and drawbacks. Finally, we will explore different intervention strategies to improve adherence to medications.
Chronic Disease
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Colitis, Ulcerative
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Crohn Disease
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Developed Countries
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Developing Countries
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Humans
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Inflammatory Bowel Diseases*
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Medication Adherence*
;
Necrosis
2.Colorectal cancer screening.
Pak Wo Webber CHAN ; Jing Hieng NGU ; Zhongxian POH ; Roy SOETIKNO
Singapore medical journal 2017;58(1):24-28
Colorectal cancer, which is the leading cancer in Singapore, can be prevented by increased use of screening and polypectomy. A range of screening strategies such as stool-based tests, flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy and computed tomography colonography are available, each with different strengths and limitations. Primary care physicians should discuss appropriate screening modalities with their patients, tailored to their individual needs. Physicians, patients and the government should work in partnership to improve uptake of colorectal cancer screening to reduce the morbidity and mortality from colorectal cancer.
Asymptomatic Diseases
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Colorectal Neoplasms
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diagnosis
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Early Detection of Cancer
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Humans
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Mass Screening
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methods
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Primary Health Care
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Singapore