Introduction of GI Wellness Committee to reduce GI fellow burnout and improve wellness.

Gastroenterology (GI) fellowship is an arduous process which predisposes fellows to fatigue and burnout. Our baseline survey showed a large number of our fellows to be in danger of burnout. Aims for Improvement To improve the overall wellness of GI fellows, identify stressors and reduce incidence of burnout. The goal for the first 6 months of operation is to demonstrate improvement in Mini ReZ survey scores by 25% at starting from Sept 1st, 2020

The Socioeconomic Impact on Presentation and Clinical Course of Celiac Disease

Introduction Celiac Disease (CD) is a chronic autoimmune condition primarily affecting the small intestine. CD is triggered by ingestion of gluten and the only effective treatment for CD involves strict and lifelong elimination of dietary gluten. Compliance with the gluten free diet (GFD) relies on purchasing gluten-free foods. Studies have shown the cost of a GFD to be from 76% to 518% more expensive than gluten containing counterparts. Because of this, the economic burden that CD patients face may be substantial, placing these patients at high risk for dietary neglect. Financial limitation aside, GFD availability also varies by differing neighborhoods, resulting in economic food deserts across the country.https://jdc.jefferson.edu/gastrohepposters/1006/thumbnail.jp

Effect of Education Level on Adequacy of Bowel Preparation Prior to Colonoscopy

Background Adequate bowel preparation is crucial for obtaining a high-quality colonoscopy. Inadequate preparation leads to impaired visualization, which can lower adenoma detection rate, increase the risk of complications and potentially necessitate repeating the procedure.1 Patients with higher health literacy and a higher level of education have been associated with better bowel preparation quality.2,3,4,

Improving the Patient Colonoscopy Prep Experience

AIM: To improve patient prep compliance, prep quality, and an overall better experience by designing a prep specific website that will address the most common prep questions and concerns Once launched, the website address will be placed on printed colonoscopy prep instructions and stated on the after hours GI clinic voicemail as an additional patient resourcehttps://jdc.jefferson.edu/patientsafetyposters/1049/thumbnail.jp

Celiac Disease: Clinical-Pathological Correlation in 100 Consecutive Patients

Introduction: Celiac Disease (CD) is an autoimmune disease that manifests as inflammation in the small intestine that can be measured by both serology (tTG-IgA) and pathology (Marsh scores). Despite having two clear etiologies defining the disease, the relationship between these markers and the clinical presentation is unclear but the age at presentation has thought to be correlated with a worsened pathology. Methods: This was a retrospective chart review at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (TJUH). The study consisted of patients diagnosed with Celiac Disease at TJUH with both a Marsh score and a tTG-IgA antibody result. Analysis via correlation statistics looked at the relationship between age at diagnosis, body-mass index (BMI), presenting symptoms/complications, adherence to diet, and appropriate clinical values. Results: There was no correlation between serological and pathological markers. There was no correlation between presenting age and Marsh score. Patients who fit the clear-cut definition for Celiac Disease presented with a wide variety of symptoms. The three major presenting symptoms were abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea. Discussion: This study confirmed the nonspecific findings associated with the clinical presentation of Celiac Disease. Further investigation is warranted to determine the efficacy of implementing a screening protocol for Celiac Disease

A Safety Assessment of the Re-opening of an Academic Medical Center Outpatient Endoscopy Unit During the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study aimed to assess outcomes and satisfaction among patients undergoing outpatient endoscopic procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic Identifying the rates of COVID-19 symptom development and post procedure testing would provide critical information on patient safety Assessment of patient experiences would serve as a guide for potential areas of improvement We predicted that with proper protocols in place, outpatient endoscopy was a safe and positive experienc

The Use of Infliximab in Older Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients

Limited data suggest anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antibodies have equal efficacy but higher morbidity and mortality in older compared to younger inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients(1)