Proactive patient education plays a crucial role in empowering individuals to effectively manage their condition. For patients with chronic illnesses like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), staying well-informed about their condition, treatment options, and potential outcomes is just as paramount as access to medication and treatment.

Equipped with knowledge, patients are able to improve medication adherence, reduce anxiety and depression, enhance their overall quality of life, and actively participate in their treatment plans.    Furthermore, patient education can help individuals recognize early warning signs, potentially preventing complications and hospitalizations, while instilling a sense of empowerment and autonomy in managing their chronic illness.

This has been one of the patient care pillars of Evinature, the pioneering healthcare company behind the revolutionary nutraceutical CurQD®.   

The company not only prioritizes the development of innovative healthcare solutions but also places significant emphasis on educating patients about their health and well-being. By providing comprehensive, accessible, and up-to-date information on conditions like IBD and the latest advancements in healthcare, Evinature aims to empower individuals to take an active role in their health journey.  

“In general, I think the two main benefits [of patient education] are practical - helping people better navigate the condition, providing tools to control their disease, and helping them avoid complications. For example, education on the importance of certain vaccines or infection screening. The second benefit is psychological - increasing sense of control, helping them cope and reducing anxiety,” says Prof. Shomron Ben-Horin M.D., Co-founder & Chief Medical Officer of Evinature.  

Moreover, Nir Salomon, Evinature Co-Founder and Head of R&D, shares that patient education is pivotal in fostering a sense of empowerment and support. He notes, “The empowerment that education gives patients also leads to forming communities and groups of IBD patients where patients have the option to ask other patients about different aspects of the disease and receive more credible and reliable answers. It is very important in the age of social media.”   

Why Educational Intervention Matters

The GETAID group conducted a study involving 263 IBD patients in 19 centers. Patients were divided into two groups: 'educated,' receiving structured education from healthcare professionals, and the control group. The education aimed to increase the psycho-pedagogic score (ECIPE) over 6 months, with the primary goal being a 20% ECIPE score improvement at the 6-month mark. 

Results showed a significant ECIPE score enhancement in the educated group, with 46% meeting the primary goal, compared to 24% in the control group. Factors like education and no prior surgery predicted the 20%+ score increase, emphasizing the value of structured education in enhancing the psychosocial aspects of IBD patient lives and improving disease management.  

On the other hand, a prospective study conducted by gastroenterologists aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a single educational intervention for improving pregnancy-related knowledge and its impact on anxiety, depression, and quality of life. 100 women were recruited, and the results were promising.

Post-intervention, Crohn's and Colitis Pregnancy Knowledge scores significantly improved. There was a decrease in the percentage of patients with poor knowledge scores, from 32% before the intervention to only 5% after.    Furthermore, the educational intervention positively influenced total anxiety and depression scores and improved patients' quality of life. Medication adherence and patient satisfaction were also notably high. This suggests that a simple educational intervention can help pregnant women with IBD feel more confident and informed during their pregnancy journey.  

Evinature’s Free Monthly Educational Webinar for Patients

Despite Israel’s ongoing crisis, Evinature continued its commitment to patient education by hosting its monthly webinar on October 11. This free lecture, hosted by co-founders Nir Salomon and Professor Shomorn Ben-Horin, was a beacon of hope during a challenging time.   

The decision to hold the webinar was not taken lightly. While the team was initially unsure of how to address the situation, they chose to show up as a united front, with the core team appearing on camera, and clinic staff answering questions from patients. This approach allowed patients to connect with the Evinature team on a personal level and witness their dedication to their well-being.   Nir highlighted the company's unwavering commitment to helping people heal, emphasizing that this mission extends to all individuals, regardless of their location. He stated, "This is what we know how to do. Each one of us individually and as a company has come together with a mission to help people heal, whoever they are, wherever they are. And even in these difficult times, and these are difficult times for all of us, we still wanted to be here at this Webinar and not cancel. We have an obligation, and as always are committed to helping our patients and reaching out whenever we can to promote peace and healing in the world."   Prof. Shomron highlighted the unique opportunity they have to connect with individuals suffering from IBD worldwide.

“This was a special webinar because of the circumstances,” he shared. “From my personal view as a doctor, it’s quite a unique journey as a healthcare provider to be able to touch base with people with IBD across the world. It’s an honor and privilege not many doctors have to be able to directly help and try to advise as much as we can to patients around the world. Thank you for this opportunity to try to do things better for all IBD patients.”  

Evinature's unwavering dedication to patient care and well-being, even in the face of adversity, serves as a testament to their mission of healing, compassion, and support. As the conflict in the region continues, the company's actions demonstrate that its commitment to patients remains firm, and its impact reaches far beyond healthcare.  

Conclusion

In a world where knowledge is power, proactive patient education emerges as a vital tool for patients, equipping them with the information and support needed to manage their conditions effectively and improve their overall well-being. Evinature's dedication to this cause underscores the transformative potential of patient education in healthcare.