The Effect of Joint Transition Visits on Quality of Life in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (TRANS-IBD)

Patients are considered as not lost to follow-up if they attend at least three out of the five planned visits with the adult gastroenterologist (AGE) during the follow-up period. Previously cancelled and then rescheduled AGE visits are acceptable.

Measured with the Medical Adherence Report Scale (MARS-5) which consist of five statements with respect to the patient's medical adherence in the last one week. Patients can describe their behavior on a five-point Likert response scale ranging from 'always' to 'never' (1-5 points). The lowest total score that can be achieved is 5 (lowest adherence), while the highest is 25 (maximal adherence). Higher scores indicate better medical adherence.

Measured with IBD Self-Efficacy Scale for adolescents and young adults (IBDSES-A) questionnaire, which investigates the person's confidence in their ability to manage demands and is predictive of health outcomes in chronic disease. The maximum scores range from 21 to 57 (as reverse scoring is used in case of 2 items). Higher scores indicate higher self-efficacy.

Measured with CACHE questionnaire (unabbreviated scale title is not existing), which consists of 31 questions with respect to the attitude of the medical team, the location, accessibility, and facilities of the IBD centre. Questions can be answered with a five-point Likert response scale. The final score can be given on a scale that ranges from 0 (minimum satisfaction) to 100 (maximum satisfaction). The final total score is calculated with standardization, using the following formula to determine the points of each individual item: (real score-minimum score)/ (maximum score-minimum score) ×100. Higher score indicates higher level of satisfaction.

Transition readiness is measured with the validated tool of Transition Readiness Questionnaire (STARx). STARx consists of three modules (with a total of 18 items), aiming to investigate the sense of responsibility, the disease-specific knowledge and the independency of the patients. Each item can be answered using a five-point Likert response scale and can be scored between 1 and 5 points. The maximum score is 90, higher score indicates better transition readiness. STARx is filled out by the participating adolescents and by their legal guardian too.

Transition readiness is measured with the validated tool of Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ). TRAQ consisting of 20 items and assesses the adolescents' willingness to be involved in or to be completely independent in managing disease related tasks (e.g., taking medications, making appointments, getting medications prescribed). A five-point Likert response scale (with scores range from 1 to 5) is used for answering each question. A total of 100 point can be acquired. In case of both tool, higher total scores indicate a higher level of transition readiness.

Flare-ups are defined as clinical symptoms suggesting disease activity, accompanied with biochemical (e.g., stool calprotectin, c-reactive protein (CRP)), endoscopic, or imaging evidence of inflammation. Intensifying disease symptoms resulting in dose escalation or initiation of a new drug aiming to achieve remission are also considered as flare-ups.

The number of patients who needed the initiation of corticosteroid treatment including the initiation of topical and systemic steroid formulations

The number of patients who needed the initiation of biological treatment including the initiation of all types of biologics registered for the treatment of IBD

Measured in unit: mg/g

In case of Crohn's disease, Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index (PCDAI) is being used for the assessment of disease activity. PCDAI counts with clinical symptoms (e. g. abdominal pain, stool frequency) and laboratory parameters (e.g.: haematocrit, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum albumin level).

The minimum of 0 point can be achieved, while the maximum is 110 points. Higher score indicates higher disease activity. (<10 points: Remission; 11-30 points: Moderate disease activity; >31 points: Severe disease activity)

In case of Ulcerative Colitis, Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index (PUCAI) is being used for the assessment of disease activity. PUCAI counts with clinical symptoms (e.g. abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and activity level).

The minimum of 0 point can be achieved, while the maximum is 85 points. Higher score indicates higher disease activity. (<10 points: Remission; 11-30 points: Moderate disease activity; >31 points: Severe disease activity)

In case of luminal Crohn's disease, Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) is being used for the assessment of disease activity. CDAI is the sum of eight components (clinical symptoms (e.g. abdominal pain, number of liquid stools), finding of the physical examination (e.g. abdominal mass, body weight), laboratory parameters (e.g. Haematocrit)) to each of which is assigned a specific weight.

The minimum of 0 point can be achieved, while the maximum is 600 points. Higher score indicates higher disease activity. (<150 points: Inactive disease; 151-220 points: Mild disease activity; 221-300: Moderate disease activity; 301-450: Severe disease activity; >450: Fulminant disease activity)

In case of perianal Crohn's disease perianal Crohn's Disease Activity Index (pCDAI) is being used for the assessment of disease activity. pCDAI counts with the discharge, the pain/ restrictions of activities, the restrictions of sexual activities, and with the type of perianal disease.

The minimum of 0 point can be achieved, while the maximum is 20 points. Higher score indicates higher perianal disease activity.

In case of Ulcerative Colitis Mayo score is being used for the assessment of disease activity. Mayo score clinical symptoms (e.g. abdominal pain, rectal bleeding), findings of the endoscopy, and the physician's global assessment).

The minimum of 0 point can be achieved, while the maximum is 12 points. Higher score indicates higher disease activity. (0-3 points: inactive disease, 4-6 points: mild disease activity, 7-9 points: moderate disease activity, >9 points: severe disease activity)

C-reactive protein (CRP) is measured in unit: mg/l. Higher value of CRP indicates greater inflammation.

White blood cell count (WBC) is measured in unit: G/L. Higher value of WBC indicates greater inflammation.

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is measured in unit: mm/hour. Higher value of ESR indicates greater inflammation.

Medical visits, which were not arranged in advance with the caring gastroenterologist, are considered unplanned visits

The number of visits at the emergency department, which are needed due to acute severe symptoms of IBD

The number of images including abdominal ultrasound, x-ray, MRI, CT-scan and other images, which were arranged in advance

The number of images including abdominal ultrasound, x-ray, MRI, CT-scan and other images, which were not arranged in advance

The number of endoscopies including gastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy, which were arranged in advance

The number of endoscopies including gastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy, which were not arranged in advance

The number of surgical interventions, which were performed because of IBD

The number of hospital admissions, which were needed because of IBD

The length of the IBD-related hospitalization given in days.