At the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) congress, leading liver experts discuss the importance of proactive, personalized care and shared decision-making during consultations. A personalized care approach begins by listening to the patient\u2019s feelings and needs, which can result in improved outcomes and quality of life for people living with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
PBC is a rare and chronic autoimmune cholestatic liver disease with prevalence increasing worldwide.1-4<\/sup> PBC causes chronic inflammation of the bile ducts. This leads to a build-up of bile and toxins in the liver (cholestasis), which results in scarring of the liver tissue (cirrhosis) and eventually liver failure.5,6<\/sup> <\/sup>It can significantly impact a person\u2019s quality of life (QoL) and, if left untreated, can result in the need for a liver transplant, and even premature death.2<\/sup> Unfortunately, many people living with PBC describe that they feel unheard or excluded from the planning of their care. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Wendy, who lives with PBC, describes the importance of involving patients in the care plan. \u201cDoctors have never explained to me why they actually monitor the blood tests or what the numbers mean. If the patient understood the tests, their levels, and what it all means, they could better manage their PBC,\u201d <\/em>she shared. Wendy added “When I go and see the consultant, I would like to be listened to and understood. Just to listen to how I feel. Many people go to consultations and talk about various symptoms, but the consultant focuses only on PBC. However, PBC can trigger multiple symptoms and affect many aspects of life.\u201d <\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can hear Wendy\u2019s full story on the importance of individual\u2019s involvement in their patient care plan to be part of the management of PBC, by viewing the full video below.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n .<\/p>\n\n\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n \n <\/h2>\n