Exploring the impact of rheumatoid arthritis on patients' lives

Aims A limited number of published studies have explored the perceptions and experiences of people living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Qualitative research of this kind is essential for the design and development of patient-centred outcome indices. This study aimed to explore the experiences of those patients with RA, to improve understanding of the impact of the condition on a person's life. Methods A grounded theory qualitative study was conducted with a convenience sample of 13 persons from the North West of England. The issues to be discussed during interviews were dictated by emerging categories and themes. Findings Those persons who participated in the study identified a range of symptoms and consequences of RA, including intractable pain, reduced mobility, systemic fatigue, sleeplessness, eating difficulties, and emotional disturbances. RA also negatively impacted on participants' ability to perform everyday tasks, reduced freedom and independence, and resulted in persons becoming more sedentary and socially reclusive. Conclusions The study showed that RA has a huge impact on every aspect of a sufferer's life. Most outcome tools do not adequately reflect this. This highlights the need for the development of new patient-centred outcome indices capable of incorporating the symptoms and consequences identified here.