Healthcare professionals agreed on the importance of conveying CVD risk to RA patients but expressed uncertainty about the best timing and concern over proactive risk management.
Healthcare professionals recognize the importance of conveying increased CVD risk to RA patients but express uncertainty about timing and emphasize the need for coordinated communication between primary and secondary care.
OBJECTIVE: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in Britain, and its prevention is a priority. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients have an increased risk of CVD, and management of modifiable classical risk factors requires a programme with patient education at its heart. Before a programme for RA patients is implemented, it is important to explore the perceptions of patients and relevant healthcare professionals and consider how these could influence the subsequent content, timing and delivery of such education. Here, we assess healthcare professionals' perceptions. METHODS: Qualitative focus group methodology was adopted. Four group meetings of healthcare professionals were held using a semi-structured interview schedule. The focus group transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. RESULTS: Three superordinate themes emerged: professional determinations about people with RA, including their perceptions about patients' priorities and motivations; communication about CVD risk, including what should be communicated, how, to whom and when; and responsibility for CVD management, referring to patients and the healthcare community. CONCLUSIONS: Although healthcare professionals agree that it is important to convey the increased CVD risk to patients with RA, there is concern they may be less proactive in promoting risk management strategies. There was uncertainty about the best time to discuss CVD with RA patients. Maintaining a close relationship between primary and secondary care was thought to be important, with all healthcare professionals 'singing from the same hymn sheet'. These findings can inform the development of novel education material to fulfil a currently unmet clinical need.
John et al. (Wed,) conducted a other in Rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular disease. Healthcare professionals' perceptions of patient education was evaluated on Themes regarding perceptions of developing patient education material. Healthcare professionals agreed on the importance of conveying CVD risk to RA patients but expressed uncertainty about the best timing and concern over proactive risk management.