Personal Experiences with Diagnostic Delay Among Axial Spondyloarthritis Patients: A Qualitative Study.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

On average, patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) suffer from symptoms up to 13 or more years before diagnosis, contributing to psychological distress and healthcare burden METHODS: We conducted six semi-structured focus groups with 26 axSpA patients (from 3 rheumatology practices located in the states of Massachusetts, Colorado, and Pensylvania, USA) exploring early disease and diagnostic experiences. Verbatim transcripts were coded using a start list with emerging thematic codes added. A qualitative thematic analysis was performed RESULTS: Many participants described meandering and frustrating diagnostic journeys. Participants reported that intermittent axSpA symptoms and idiopathic pain contributed to physician confusion and delay in patients seeking care. P

SUBMITTER: Dube CE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8217406 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature