“If he's in pain i'm also in pain”: a qualitative study on support needs of significant others of persons with rheumatoid arthritis

Purpose As rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects both the patient and their significant others, the aim of this study is to describe the views and experiences of significant others of persons with contemporary treated RA.Methods Patients at rehabilitation clinics in southeast Sweden were asked to invite significant others to participate in individual semi-structured interviews. Sixteen significant others accepted. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis.Results Experiences were described through three themes: 1) A need to be involved and informed: significant others described how they were provided information, but also felt left out and uninformed; 2) Help and support go both ways: patients and their significant others were big supports to each other; however, significant others were in need of more support themselves; 3) Making everyday life work: they had found routines in everyday life, but had lost certain activities and, experienced pressure to adopt a caring role.Conclusions Significant others of persons with RA report lacking information and limited involvement in rehabilitation. In order for significant others to provide the best possible support, attention should be paid to their needs. If given the right conditions, significant others can potentially reduce the burden on the healthcare system.