APP Roundtable: Patient-Centric Care Approaches in PBC

Living with Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) often means facing daily challenges such as fatigue, itching (pruritus), sleep disruption, and the emotional impact of managing a chronic liver disease. In this GHAPP podcast, physician assistants Lindsay Yoder, PA-C and Melissa Franco, PA share real-world strategies for improving quality of life for patients with PBC. They discuss how to screen for and manage common symptoms like fatigue and itching, when to look for alternative causes such as thyroid issues or vitamin deficiencies, and how to approach difficult conversations about disease progression, cirrhosis, and potential transplant evaluation. The episode also highlights the importance of patient-centered care—balancing treatment options with individual preferences, lifestyle modifications, diet, exercise, and mindfulness to empower patients in their care journey. Whether you’re a healthcare provider looking for practical insights or a patient seeking support, this discussion offers valuable tools to improve both physical and emotional outcomes in PBC management.