The perspective of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis on the journey from symptom onset until referral to a rheumatologist.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Timely treatment of patients with early RA (ERA) favours a beneficial disease outcome. However, individuals often delay their contact with a health-care professional (HCP) after ERA-related symptom onset. The aim of this study was to investigate the perspective of patients on the journey of a patient from RA symptom onset until referral to a specialist.

Methods

A subgroup of patients with ERA from the Care in ERA (CareRA) trial were interviewed retrospectively to discuss their initial ERA-related experiences preceding diagnosis, using a bespoke assessment form. The first section of the form focused on initial symptoms and help-seeking behaviour by the patients. The second part probed the actions of the HCPs consulted. Additional notes derived from the patient stori

SUBMITTER: De Cock D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7018614 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature