148. Improving Patient-Centric Care with Novel Therapies in Ulcerative Colitis

In this episode of NP Pulse, nurse practitioners Jessica Crimaldi and Christina Hanson explore the evolving landscape of ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic inflammatory bowel disease affecting over a million Americans. With decades of GI experience, Jessica and Christina break down the burden of UC on patients' physical and psychosocial well-being, review distinguishing features from Crohn's disease, and examine the increasing prevalence tied to lifestyle and environmental factors. This important conversation dives into the era of precision medicine, highlighting a new generation of targeted therapies, updated clinical guidelines, and best practices for early diagnosis, management, and shared decision-making. From understanding disease severity and medication classes to addressing extraintestinal manifestations, cancer screening, and vaccination recommendations, this episode is a must-listen for NPs striving to provide optimal, up-to-date care for patients with ulcerative colitis.