E006 Providing information on arthritis medication: a service evaluation

Abstract Background/Aims Traditionally patients commencing disease modifying anti-rheumatic medications (DMARDs) attended a face to face consultation with a rheumatology nurse or pharmacist, to discuss benefits, concerns and safety monitoring. The pandemic has led to an increase in the use of remote methods of information sharing including telephone consultations. The aim of this service evaluation was to elicit patients preferences on receiving information on arthritis medications to help inform service development. Methods A service evaluation with contributions from patients and stakeholders was designed and registered with the trust. Patients who were commencing or taking DMARDs attending, one of two hospital sites, in North Staffordshire were asked to complete a short questionnaire from November 2022-April 2023. Some patients completed the questionnaire at the end of their telephone drug counselling appointment with the assistance of the nurse whilst others completed the questionnaire whilst attending in person for their appointment. The questionnaire focused on the preferred format for receiving information on arthritis medications including a face to face appointment with a health professional (even if this meant a wait), telephone consultation, attending a group counselling session, having a drug information leaflet with the option to contact a health professional to answer any questions or watching a video on a device with internet access (computer, smart phone or tablet). The importance of receiving information on the same day as commencing treatment was also explored. Results 64 patients took part in the survey. No demographic data was collected. The most popular method for receiving information on arthritis medications was a face to face appointment, even if it meant a delay in starting medication (n = 32,50%). The second most popular method was an information leaflet with the option to discuss any concerns via the telephone (n = 12,19 %). The third preference to receive information were via a video, again with the option to discuss concerns remotely (n = 10, 16%) or a telephone appointment, even if it meant a delay in starting medication (n 10,16%) Surprisingly although no patients expressed a preference to attend a group counselling session, 36 (56%) would attend if offered. When presented with the option of having information on the same day as the decision was made to commence medication, or, having to wait to discuss the mediation with a health professional, there was a strong preference to see a health professional (n = 46, 72%) Conclusion Patients clearly value discussing commencing DMARDs with a health professional even if this means a delay in treatment. Having just one approach to information giving does not equate with individual needs and a range of options regarding information delivery that the patient can select from is required. Disclosure S. Ryan: None. S. Hider: None. Z. Paskins: None.