Meeting the needs of people diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis: an analysis of patient‐reported experience

brand c, claydon‐platt k, mccoll g & bucknall t (2010) Journal of Nursing and Healthcare of Chronic Illness2, 75–83 Meeting the needs of people diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis: an analysis of patient‐reported experience Aim. The primary aim of the study was to explore perceived needs, and adequacy of the current model of care for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who live in Victoria, Australia. Background. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic often disabling form of inflammatory arthritis that affects approximately 1% of the population. The condition preferentially affects women with onset most common between the ages of 39–50 years, but an important subgroup has onset in later years. Management of RA involves treatment from a range of healthcare providers over many years as well as self‐management by the person affected. Yet, there is limited information available about the needs of people with RA to guide service development for this chronic condition at different stages of life. Method. In a qualitative exploratory study, a trained facilitator used semi‐structured questions in taped interviews to explore; the impact of RA diagnosis, experience with healthcare providers and services, barriers to better care, and ways in which services could be improved. The research was conducted between May 2005–January 2006. Conclusions. There were 45 participants (9 male, 36 female) with a mean age at disease onset of 44 years (SD 15·4). The main themes in relation with perceived needs were emotional response, empowerment and support. Whilst participant responses could be separated and grouped within these themes, there is interdependence in the way in which service delivery currently influences perceived needs and could be improved. Relevance to clinical practice. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition in which many of the issues faced are similar to those faced by people with other chronic conditions. However, this condition also presents different issues due to its impact on younger women and the necessary focus on specialist management. These factors need to be carefully considered in designing new models of care for RA.