Patient and Healthcare Provider Experience With Rheumatoid Arthritis in Northern Ontario, Canada: A Qualitative Descriptive Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disabling common chronic inflammatory joint disease. In Ontario, the burden is higher in those aged 65 and older, in females, and in northern communities. This study examined patient disease impact and healthcare provider access and satisfaction as well as provider satisfaction, patient experience and educational suggestions.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews and reflexive thematic analysis were used.

Results

Interviews occurred with: (1) 18 Northern (N) Ontario patients, (2) 6 N Ontario family physicians, (3) 6 N Ontario pharmacists and (4) a rheumatologist and 4 advanced clinical practitioners in arthritis care (ACPACs) who treat N Ontario patients. Patients emphasised the need to: (1) act on early symptoms, (2) self-advoca

SUBMITTER: Lightfoot N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11599164 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature