The effect of the chronic care model on symptom status, stress, quality of life in inflammatory bowel disease: a randomized controlled study

Aim This study examined the effectiveness of a nursing counseling intervention based on the Chronic Care Model on symptoms, stress, and quality of life among individuals with inflammatory bowel disease. Methods This randomized controlled trial was conducted from February to July 2024 in a gastroenterology outpatient clinic. Four core components of the Chronic Care Model were incorporated. Patients in the intervention group received face-to-face education, bi-weekly follow-up telephone calls, and reminder messages for three months, while the control group received routine care. Results Seventy participants were randomized (35 intervention; 35 control). The intervention led to significant reductions in perceived stress and meaningful improvements in quality of life compared with routine care, whereas no significant changes occurred in the control group. At three months, perceived symptoms did not differ significantly between groups. Satisfaction with chronic care services was higher among patients receiving the intervention, and most expressed a desire for the program to continue. Conclusions Nursing counseling based on the Chronic Care Model improved perceived stress, quality of life, and satisfaction with care among individuals with inflammatory bowel disease, without adverse effects on symptoms. Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov was recorded (NCT06757231, Registration Date: February 13, 2024, https://clinicaltrials.gov/).