Unique patient-led analysis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Published: 5 May 2026
A new study led entirely by patients and co-authored by School of Infection & Immunity researchers marks a significant milestone in how inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) research is conducted and shared. The peer-reviewed paper, published in Crohn’s & Colitis 360, presents a novel approach to understanding people living with IBD.
A new study led entirely by patients and co-authored by School of Infection & Immunity researchers marks a significant milestone in how inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) research is conducted and shared.
The peer-reviewed paper, published in the prestigious United States of America-based journal Crohn’s & Colitis 360, presents a novel approach to understanding well-being in people living with IBD.
Uniquely, the work was designed, led, and shaped by patients themselves, placing lived experience at the heart of the research process.
Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) is a central pillar of activity within Professor Gwo-tzer Ho's Gut Translational Research Group, and this latest publication highlights the strength of that commitment.
A key contributor to the study is Molly Halligan, the team’s PPIE representative, who has played a leading role in advancing patient-led research within the group.
Corresponding author Molly said: “On behalf of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Patient, Public Involvement/Engagement (PPI/E) group, I am really pleased to share our patient-led paper exploring what wellbeing really looks like for people living with IBD.
"For this project, clinical researchers handed over the reins to the 'patient' PPI/E members, enabling us to represent people with IBD in a genuinely meaningful way.
"We are hugely grateful to everyone who gave up their time and shared their experiences to make this paper possible.
"Alongside delving into some of the realities that people with IBD face, this paper also acts as a reminder that people with IBD can contribute more than just their biological samples to clinical research.
“Our voices are powerful and will continue to be an essential mechanism for change.”
Professor Ho added: “More than 400 participants took the time and effort to share their experiences of living with IBD in our wellbeing study - and who better to analyse and present these insights than people living with IBD themselves?
"This work, led by Molly and our PPIE group, is thoughtful, authentic and deeply informative. I, and many of my clinical colleagues, have learned a great deal from it.
"I am very grateful to everyone involved and hope this paper is read widely.”
Molly has been a prominent voice in raising awareness of IBD and the importance of patient perspectives.
She previously featured in the Our Lives with IBD documentary, which was showcased at the Edinburgh Science Festival, helping to bring personal experiences of the condition to wider audiences.
This latest publication not only advances understanding of IBD wellbeing but also sets a new standard for meaningful patient involvement in research, demonstrating the powerful impact of collaboration between researchers and the communities they serve.
The study is expected to reach a wide international audience through its publication, with further exposure anticipated via Crohn’s & Colitis UK, which plans to feature the work on its website and in its magazine, reaching around 200,000 readers.
Dr Natalie Carter, Head of Evidence, Information & Research at Crohn's & Colitis UK, said: "We’re proud to see research that truly centres the voices of people living with Crohn’s and Colitis.
"Patient-led work like this is vital to understanding what it really means to live well with these conditions.
"It marks an important step towards research and care that is shaped not just for patients, but with and by them.”
First published: 5 May 2026