Year: 2008
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Clinical management of the chronic autoimmune liver disease, Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC) involves addressing the underlying liver disease and a range of symptoms independent of liver disease severity. We have formally explored how these two perspectives of chronic disease management can be combined into a clinic consultation and impact upon quality of life (QOL) in PBC. AIMS: To develop and implement the first Integrated Care Pathway (ICP) for the management of liver disease progression and symptom management in PBC. METHODS: Process mapping of current practice by a multidisciplinary group developed a flowchart of care from which the clinical record evolved. Symptom assessment is incorporated into the PBC ICP (QOL; PBC-40, autonomic symptoms; Orthostatic Grading Scale, daytime sleepiness; Epworth Sleepiness Scale). All patients were considered who attended clinic between July 2005 and June 2006. Symptom assessment was repeated after 1 year in those participating in the initial clinic cohort. RESULTS: The PBC ICP was successfully introduced into our clinical environment with high levels of patient satisfaction. A total of 225 PBC patients attended over 12 months. Initial QOL assessments were in 195 (87%). Five patients died (3%). Repeat assessment 1 year later occurred in 149 subjects (149/190; 78%). All symptom domains improved after ICP implementation with significant improvements in those with moderate and severe symptoms in all PBC-40 symptom domains (P < 0.02). In those with severe fatigue (n = 38) symptom improvement was even more dramatic (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: ICP implementation delivers evidence-based care, leads to improvements in QOL coupled with high levels of patient satisfaction.
Source: QJM
DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcn043
Authors: D. E.J. Jones, K. Sutcliffe, J. Pairman, K. Wilton, J. L. Newton
Institution: Newcastle University
Language: English
Topic: Liver Diseases and Immunity
Subfield: Hepatology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
Funder: Medical Research Council
OpenAlex ID: W2141276184