A cost-effectiveness analysis of the IBD-BOOST randomized controlled trial found that a facilitator-supported digital self-management program is highly likely to be a cost-effective addition to standard care for people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) experiencing persistent pain, fatigue, and fecal incontinence. Although the original trial did not achieve statistically significant improvements in its primary clinical endpoints, participants using the online intervention gained modest improvements in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) while reducing healthcare utilization and overall costs over 12 months.
The web-based program combines cognitive behavioral therapy principles with symptom-specific self-management strategies delivered through 12 interactive online sessions, supported by trained facilitators.