Abstract Background/Aims To explore the experiences of access to NHS care and services of people living with immune-mediated inflammatory conditions, specifically rheumatoid arthritis, across Scotland. NRAS led a collaborative survey with four other patient organisations, but filtered these results based on those who stated they had RA. Methods A 6-week online survey conducted between 1 September 2025 and 10 October 2025 collected data on demographics, initial access to services, ongoing health management, supported self-management and specific disease-related questions. An open question was also included to allow individuals to provide free text responses. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis for free text comments. Results A total of 1261 participants completed the survey, with 536 (43%) reporting a diagnosis of RA. The majority were female (n = 482, 90%) and White British (n = 520, 97%). Most had a disease duration of over 5 years (n = 369, 69%) and were aged between 45-64 years (n = 294, 55%). More than two-thirds had a comorbid condition (n = 381, 71%). Whilst further detailed analysis will be conducted in Oct/Nov ‘25 and a report produced early 2026, top-line statistics show: 52% of people had more than 3 visits to GP before a referral was made; 70% of referrals were delayed waiting for test results; only 29% were seen by secondary care within 6 weeks; of the 9% of people who chose a private appointment for initial diagnosis, 60% said it was due to long waiting times in the NHS; 47% of people were not referred to any patient organisations and 11% can’t remember; 63% would welcome further education about their condition; 50% said the biggest barrier to self-management is lack of knowledge; 66% feel their condition is either unstable or has room for improvement. Conclusion The full conclusion will be in the report once the more detailed analysis work has been done, but the results are very similar to the results of a survey NRAS did across Wales (report published in April 2025). However, delays in GP referral, being seen in secondary care and getting started on treatment reduce the chances of getting the disease under control quickly and improving outcomes for patients. As in Wales, health professionals are not referring their patients to the relevant patient organisation at point of diagnosis to be able to access the education, information and support services which the third sector so ably provide. This is disappointing as it is clear that a major barrier to being able to self-manage chronic conditions is lack of knowledge and support, which is widely available from the patient organisations and is of high quality and evidence-based. Disclosure A. Bosworth: None. S. Asker: None. S. Matthews: None.
Bosworth et al. (Wed,) studied this question.