The document supports a shift towards personalised, patient-centred care and shared decision-making within chronic disease management. Traditional fixed-interval follow up models often fail to align with periods of active disease or remission. PIFU empowers stable patients in long-term remission to initiate follow-up when clinically indicated such as during a flare or change in symptoms thereby improving access to specialist input and optimising healthcare resources.

This approach aligns with IBD UK Standards (2019), particularly Section 4: Flare Management.

Patients are supported to develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to self-manage their condition through education, written materials, and digital tools such as the iOWNA app.

Only patients meeting defined stability criteria (e.g. faecal calprotectin <50 µg/g, no steroid use for ≥2 years, not on immunomodulators/biologics) are considered for the pathway.

Routine colonoscopic surveillance is maintained according to individual cancer risk stratification, ensuring ongoing monitoring even in the absence of symptoms.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Effective communication between gastroenterologists, IBD specialist nurses, GPs, and patients is essential. Clear documentation, including PIFU initiation letters and management algorithms, ensures continuity of care.

Self-Management Framework

The guideline outlines a structured stepwise flare management protocol, enabling patients to:

Recognise early flare symptoms via iOWNA assessment tools.

Optimise mesalazine therapy and initiate topical treatments as required.

Implementation of the PIFU model promotes:

1. Enhanced patient autonomy and engagement in long-term condition management.

2. Improved efficiency within outpatient gastroenterology services.

3. Reduced unnecessary hospital visits, allowing prioritisation of patients with active disease.

4. Maintenance of clinical safety through structured surveillance and multidisciplinary oversight.

It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the effort, research, and dedication that went into this project. Standing among peers and experts in the field, I was reminded of the importance of collaboration and innovation in improving patient care. Sharing my findings not only validated the hard work but also sparked meaningful discussions that could lead to real-world impact.

"Evaluation of Digitally-Enabled Patient-Initiated Follow-Up (PIFU) Pathways for Ulcerative Colitis: Supporting Patient Self-Management"

Focuses on assessing the impact of digital tools in managing Ulcerative Colitis (UC). It highlights the challenges UC patients face in self-managing their condition, which can lead to worsened symptoms and increased healthcare demands. The study evaluates the efficacy of PIFU pathways facilitated by the iOWNA platform, aiming to empower patients through access to information and self-assessment tools. Preliminary findings suggest that patients on digitally enabled PIFU pathways show reduced reliance on IBD helplines and healthcare services, with surveys indicating increased patient confidence and control over their condition. The poster emphasises the transformative potential of these digital pathways in enhancing patient outcomes and reducing healthcare resource utilisation, while also noting the challenges of patient engagement and the importance of ongoing digital literacy and education. Future directions include further integration of PIFU pathways with electronic health records and personalised support to maximise effectiveness and scalability.

This approach ensures patients are fully informed, promotes shared decision-making