Empowering PBC Patients: APPs’ Role in Education and Support

Empowering patients with Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) starts with education, communication, and long-term support. In this episode, nurse practitioner Sarah Dawkins, from Duke University Medical Center, and Alison Moe, PA-C, from Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates, discuss the vital role Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) play in the longitudinal care of PBC patients. From explaining prognosis, symptoms, and treatment expectations to addressing quality-of-life challenges like fatigue, pruritus, bone density loss, and anxiety, they share practical strategies for building trust and improving patient outcomes.

You’ll hear how APPs act as the “quarterback” of care—providing education beyond the clinic visit, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams (dermatology, endocrinology, mental health, pharmacy), and connecting patients to trusted resources and support groups. Visual aids, personalized communication styles, and continuous follow-up all help patients better understand their diagnosis, medications, and long-term management.

Whether you’re a healthcare professional seeking best practices or a patient looking for clarity and support, this conversation highlights why APPs are essential in managing chronic liver disease and ensuring patients with PBC feel informed, empowered, and never alone.