Abstract Background/Aims To explore the experiences of access to NHS care and services of people living with immune-mediated inflammatory conditions (rheumatoid arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis, lupus and inflammatory bowel disease) across Scotland. NRAS led on this survey in collaboration with National Axial Spondylarthritis Society, Psoriasis Association, Lupus UK and Crohn’s and Colitis UK. Methods A 6-week online survey conducted between 1 September 2025 and 10 October 2025, collected data on demographics, initial access to services, ongoing health management, supported self-management and specific disease-related questions. A further open question allowed individuals to provide free text responses. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Results A total of 1261 participants completed the survey. The majority were female, (n = 1057, 84%) and White British (n = 1198, 95%). The conditions were broadly split for inflammatory arthritis (n = 654, 52%), psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis (n = 159, 13%), inflammatory bowel disease (n = 368, 29%) and lupus (n = 80, 6%). Most had a disease duration of over 5 years (n = 852, 68%) and were aged between 45 and 64 years (n = 645, 51%). Two thirds had a comorbid condition (n = 839, 67%). Whilst further detailed analysis will be conducted in Oct/Nov ‘25 and a report produced early 2026, top-line statistics show: 55% of people had more than three visits to GP before a referral was made, 68% of referrals were delayed waiting for test results, Only 73% of people are being seen within the 18 week RTT standard of NHS Scotland. Of the 7% of people who chose a private appointment for an initial diagnosis, 56% said it was due to long waiting times in the NHS, 45% of people were not referred to any patient organisations and 9% can’t remember, 65% would welcome further education about their condition, 47% said biggest barrier to self-management is lack of knowledge, 65% feel their condition is either unstable or has room for improvement Conclusion Full conclusion will be in the report once the more detailed analysis work has been done, but the results are very similar to the results of a survey NRAS did across Wales (report published in April, 2025). However, delays in GP referral, being seen in secondary care and getting started on treatment reduce the chances of getting disease under control quickly and improving outcomes for patients. Also, as in Wales, health professionals are not referring their patients to the relevant patient organisation at point of diagnosis to be able to access the education, information and support services which third sector so ably provide. This is disappointing as it is clear that a major barrier to being able to self-manage chronic conditions is lack of knowledge and support and it is widely available from patient organisations. Disclosure A. Bosworth: None. S. Asker: None. S. Matthews: None. J. Hamilton: None. H. McAteer: None. D. Kinsey: None. J. Turner: None.
Bosworth et al. (Wed,) studied this question.