{
  "abstract": "Introduction The prevalence of chronic intestinal failure (CIF) is rising at a rate of 20% per year, 1 for which home parenteral support (HPS) is first-line therapy. Whilst the negative impact of HPS on quality of life has been well described, the influence upon patients’ experience and ability to travel has not been reported. We aimed to described patient-reported barriers to travel amongst adults receiving HPS at a UK intestinal failure (IF) unit.Methods Patients attending IF clinic were invited to participate in a questionnaire between January 2024-October 2025. Patients aged 16 years or over currently on HPS, including intravenous nutrition and/or fluids, were included. Patients under the age of 16, those who had been established on HPS for less than 3 months, and patients with advanced cancer or a palliative diagnosis were excluded. Questionnaire statements were themed around psychological and physical capability, physical and social opportunity, and motivation. Baseline characteristics and responses were summarised using descriptive statistics and free-text answers were categorised into broad themes to facilitate interpretation.Results 50 patients were included (72% female) with 100% completion rate. The most common CIF classification was short bowel syndrome (n=29, 58%) and the most common aetiology was inflammatory bowel disease (n=17, 34%). Most patients infused between three and six days per week (n=34, 68%). 54% (n=27) had travelled with HPS. Patients on HPS for >5 years were more likely to have travelled abroad (p=0.002). Barriers included uncertainty regarding organising travel with HPS (46%, n=23), difficulty in transporting PS (80%, n=40), restriction to holiday activities due to venous catheters (60%, n=30) and inability to obtain travel insurance (32%, n=16). 66% (n=33) have not considered air travel since commencing HPS. Although 88% (n=44) agreed that travel is important for their wellbeing, only 34% (n=17) reported feeling confident to travel. Thematic analysis of patient comments revealed several recurring themes: earlier discussion regarding travel, healthcare provider encouragement, a need for a comprehensive information resource and airline education.Conclusions Patients with CIF feel travel is important for their wellbeing and have the desire to travel abroad, yet the majority do not feel confident or have access to adequate information resources. Many patients were initially unaware travel on HPS was an option, and several barriers including transport of PS, travel insurance and difficulties with air travel were reported. The concept of travel should be introduced early to CIF patients and further comprehensive resources should be developed.Reference NHS England. Severe intestinal failure (adults): service specification. 2023. Available: https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/170077-230701S-intestinal-failure-adults-serv-spec-v1.3.pdf",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Gastroenterology, The Royal London, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK",
        "Queen Mary University London, London, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Sarah Faloon"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Gastroenterology, The Royal London, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Pallabhi Mandal"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Gastroenterology, The Royal London, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK",
        "Queen Mary University London, London, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Shameer Mehta"
    }
  ],
  "title": "P374 Barriers to travel for patients with chronic intestinal failure",
  "uid": "b72e77e4-c2fb-5ff7-98bb-67cfa1bf835b"
}