From Isolation to Information: Launching an Online Community for Patients with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis, Primary Biliary Cholangitis, and Autoimmune Hepatitis in Romania—A Descriptive Study

<b>Background:</b> Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC), Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC), and Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH) are rare immune-mediated liver conditions that significantly affect patients' quality of life. In Romania, access to specialized information and patient support resources is limited, underscoring the need for tailored educational tools. The aim was to describe the methodology for developing, implementing, and conducting a feasibility study of an online platform for patients with PSC, PBC, and AIH, as a pilot study, providing early insights. <b>Methods:</b> The platform offers educational materials, registration, a discussion forum, and digital tools for quality-of-life assessment. Data on demographics, usage, and quality of life were collected using standardized questionnaires (CLDQ-PSC, PBC-10) and non-standardized questionnaires, and analyzed with Microsoft Office Excel and DATATab. <b>Results:</b> The website was created using an online platform requiring no advanced IT skills. Content was developed in accordance with international guidelines (EASL, AASLD) and translated and adapted for Romanian patients. As of 15 July 2025, 81 patients had been registered (26% PSC, 68% PBC, 6% AIH), with a predominance of urban participants (all patients: 87% female, mean age at diagnosis = 44.5 years). Most participants used mobile devices and reported improved understanding and engagement with their health after using the platform. <b>Conclusions:</b> The first dedicated digital platform has been established in Romania to address the health literacy needs of patients with PSC, PBC, and AIH. The study offers insights into future directions and a replicable model for similar initiatives. The pilot evaluation of the platform faced several limitations, including self-selection bias, non-standardized assessments, and a small sample size.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Healthcare
Published
2025-12-02
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13233148
Primary Topic
Liver Diseases and Immunity
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

From Isolation to Information: Launching an Online Community for Patients with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis, Primary Biliary Cholangitis, and Autoimmune Hepatitis in Romania—A Descriptive Study

Matei Mandea, Maria Mandea, Mihaela Ghioca, Speranta Iacob et al.
Healthcare
Liver Diseases and Immunity
article

From Isolation to Information: Launching an Online Community for Patients with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis, Primary Biliary Cholangitis, and Autoimmune Hepatitis in Romania—A Descriptive Study

Matei Mandea, Maria Mandea, Mihaela Ghioca, Speranta Iacob, Liliana Gheorghe
article en

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC), Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC), and Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH) are rare immune-mediated liver conditions that significantly affect patients' quality of life. In Romania, access to specialized information and patient support resources is limited, underscoring the need for tailored educational tools. The aim was to describe the methodology for developing, implementing, and conducting a feasibility study of an online platform for patients with PSC, PBC, and AIH, as a pilot study, providing early insights. <b>Methods:</b> The platform offers educational materials, registration, a discussion forum, and digital tools for quality-of-life assessment. Data on demographics, usage, and quality of life were collected using standardized questionnaires (CLDQ-PSC, PBC-10) and non-standardized questionnaires, and analyzed with Microsoft Office Excel and DATATab. <b>Results:</b> The website was created using an online platform requiring no advanced IT skills. Content was developed in accordance with international guidelines (EASL, AASLD) and translated and adapted for Romanian patients. As of 15 July 2025, 81 patients had been registered (26% PSC, 68% PBC, 6% AIH), with a predominance of urban participants (all patients: 87% female, mean age at diagnosis = 44.5 years). Most participants used mobile devices and reported improved understanding and engagement with their health after using the platform. <b>Conclusions:</b> The first dedicated digital platform has been established in Romania to address the health literacy needs of patients with PSC, PBC, and AIH. The study offers insights into future directions and a replicable model for similar initiatives. The pilot evaluation of the platform faced several limitations, including self-selection bias, non-standardized assessments, and a small sample size.

HealthcareVol. 13(23)
Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy (RO), Bucharest National University of Arts (RO), Institutul Clinic Fundeni (RO)
Openalex Percentile: Top 51%
Liver Diseases and Immunity
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.