Challenge
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) recognized a critical gap in patient education resources for people living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. While patients had access to clinical information, there was a lack of comprehensive, accessible guidance on managing the day-to-day challenges of living with IBD, from navigating difficult conversations with healthcare providers and loved ones to planning travel and managing workplace disclosure. AGA needed a digital platform that would serve as a trusted resource for the IBD community, providing practical tools and educational content that empowered patients to take control of their condition. The organization partnered with JPA Health to create My IBD Life, a website designed to meet patients where they are and address the full spectrum of their needs.

Solution
I led the design and development of the My IBD Life website, working closely with internal and external AGA stakeholders to create a patient-centric digital experience that balanced educational rigor with accessibility. First, I developed a content strategy that organized complex medical information into digestible, actionable resources covering key areas such as treatment options. Additionally, I suggested the creation of downloadable conversation guides designed to facilitate meaningful discussions between patients, healthcare providers, friends, and family members. Throughout the development process, I prioritized user experience, ensuring the site featured intuitive navigation, mobile responsiveness, and clear pathways to resources that would help patients plan and manage their IBD life with confidence.

Results
The My IBD Life website, myibdlife.gastro.org⧉, successfully launched as a comprehensive resource hub for the IBD community, providing patients with the tools and information they need to navigate life with their condition. The downloadable conversation guides became particularly popular resources, helping patients feel more prepared and empowered in discussions with their healthcare teams and support networks. The interactive 3D models received positive feedback for making complex medical concepts more accessible and easier to understand, enhancing patient education and health literacy. By consolidating practical guidance, medical information, and interactive tools in one user-friendly platform, the website positioned AGA as a leader in patient-centered education and established My IBD Life as a go-to resource for individuals seeking to live fully while managing IBD.