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Patient ownership of primary biliary cholangitis long-Term management

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Jess Leighton, Dr Jess Dyson, Professor David Jones

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Abstract

© Objective Patient ownership of disease is vital in rare diseases like primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). This survey of UK members of the PBC foundation aimed to assess patients' perception of their disease management, focusing on key biomarkers and problematic symptoms. Design Registered PBC foundation members were surveyed on their experiences on their most recent clinic visit, covering the type of hospital and clinician and whether biochemical response and symptom burden were discussed, including who initiated these conversations. Respondents were also asked about their willingness to initiate these conversations. Results Across 633 respondents, 42% remembered discussing alkaline phosphatase, the key biochemical response measure, and the majority of discussions were initiated by the healthcare provider. 56% of respondents remembered discussing itch, a key PBC symptom. There was no distinction between the grade of healthcare professional, but both patients and clinicians were significantly more likely to discuss symptoms over disease progression. Reassuringly, 84% of respondents felt willing to initiate conversations about their illness, regardless of the grade of managing clinician. Conclusions This work lays a positive foundation for patient education and empowerment projects, likely to improve clinical outcomes. Key aspects of management (biochemical response to treatment and symptom burden) should be emphasised as topics of discussion to both patients and clinicians managing PBC. We suggest a simple cue card to prompt patient-led discussion.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Leighton J, Thain C, Mitchell-Thain R, Dyson JK, Jones DE

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Frontline Gastroenterology

Year: 2021

Volume: 12

Issue: 5

Pages: 370-373

Print publication date: 01/09/2021

Online publication date: 01/06/2020

Acceptance date: 30/04/2020

ISSN (print): 2041-4137

ISSN (electronic): 2041-4145

Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group

URL: https://doi.org/10.1136/flgastro-2019-101324

DOI: 10.1136/flgastro-2019-101324

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