P016 Socio-demographic determinants of care in systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases: a mixed methods study of patients perceptions of care

Abstract Background/Aims Systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs) are chronic, multisystem conditions with rising global prevalence and significant social and biological determinants. Socio-economic characteristics, including ethnicity, gender and socio-economic status, are associated with prevalence and outcomes in systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases. There is limited research into patient perceptions of how their socio-demographic characteristics impact their medical care. This study examines how socio-demographic factors are perceived to influence SARDs care quality in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, contributing to scholarship on health equity. Methods A co-produced online survey was shared internationally. Participants were asked how they felt that each of their sociodemographic characteristics had affected their treatment by clinicians with 6 options given from “much worse” to “much better” and including options for “no difference” and “unsure”. Chi-squared tests were conducted to assess differences in reported treatment and identify patterns of perceived inequalities. Statistical analyses of treatment perceptions are ongoing and centre on a series of Generalized Linear Models. Interviewing will continue until data saturation has been reached (no novel insights arising). Qualitative analysis is thematic and incorporates discussion of themes with a multidisciplinary team including patient partners. Results Surveys were completed online, with n = 2971 UK and the Republic of Ireland SARDs participants, 90% being female and 95% white. Qualitative responses were obtained from open-ended survey responses (n = 2287) and in-depth participant interviews (ongoing). Preliminary findings include statistically significant differences between how people feel they were treated across multiple sociodemographic characteristics, including gender, ethnicity and education. A greater proportion of women (27%) compared to men (7%) reported worse treatment due to gender (p 0.001). Non-White (22%) compared to White (2%) participants reported worse treatment due to ethnicity, (p 0.001). Participants with at least a post-secondary education (31%) reported better treatment than those with a primary or secondary education (6%; p 0.001). Participants described how multiple factors interact to shape their care experience: “I think being overweight, middle aged GSK, Eli Lilly, Vifor and UCB, and a leadership role on the board of APS support. M. Sloan: Consultancies; OtoImmune. Grants/research support; The Lupus Trust, Lupus UK, and Vasculitis UK.