Patient-reported quality of care in primary sclerosing cholangitis

BackgroundManagement and follow-up strategies for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) vary. The aim of the present study was to assess patient-reported quality of care to identify the most important areas for improvement. MethodsData were collected via an online survey hosted on the EU Survey platform in 11 languages between October 2021 and January 2022. Questions were asked about the disease, symptoms, treatment, investigations and quality of care. ResultsIn total, 798 nontransplanted people with PSC from 33 countries responded. Eighty-six per cent of respondents reported having had at least one symptom. Twenty-four per cent had never undergone an elastography, and 8% had not had a colonoscopy. Nearly half (49%) had never undergone a bone density scan. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) was used in 90-93% in France, Netherlands and Germany, and 49-50% in the United Kingdom and Sweden. Itch was common (60%), and 50% of those had received any medication. Antihistamines were taken by 27%, cholestyramine by 21%, rifampicin by 13% and bezafibrate by 6.5%. Forty-one per cent had been offered participation in a clinical trial or research. The majority (91%) reported that they were confident with their care although half of the individuals reported the need for more information on disease prognosis and diet. ConclusionSymptom burden in PSC is high, and the most important areas of improvement are disease monitoring with more widespread use of elastography, bone density scan and appropriate treatment for itch. Personalised prognostic information should be offered to all individuals with PSC and include information on how they can improve their health.

Automated summary

The aim of this study was to assess patient-reported quality of care in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and identify areas for improvement. The results indicated that PSC patients experience a high symptom burden and would benefit from more widespread use of elastography, bone density scan, and appropriate treatment for itch. Personalized prognostic information and guidance on improving health should be provided to individuals with PSC.