Social interactions at the onset of rheumatoid arthritis and their influence on help‐seeking behaviour: A qualitative exploration

Abstract

BackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting approximately 1% of the population.(1) To limit long term joint damage and disability, disease modifying treatment should be started within the first three months following the onset of symptoms.(2-5) However, a recent multicentre European study highlighted that less than 20% of patients are seen by a rheumatologist within this time window.(6) Delays can occur at multiple points between symptom onset and the initiation of treatment, including delays on the part of the patients in seeking medical advice at symptom onset, delays by general practitioners (GPs) in recognising symptoms and referring the patient to a rheumatologist, and delays in secondary care. The way that a person interprets the early symptoms of an illness is informed by preexisting perceptions about what it might be like to experience that illness (the illness'

Delays between the onset of symptoms and first rheumatology consultation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in the UK: an observational study

“…Previous qualitative studies and a meta-synthesis have identified barriers to help seeking at the onset of RA 37–43. The present study identifies that before seeking formal medical attention, people experiencing the early symptoms of RA seek information and help from a number of alternative sources and often self-medicate.…”

Moderating role of self-efficacy on the associations of social support with depressive and anxiety symptoms in Chinese patients with rheumatoid arthritis

“… 12 – 15 RA is often considered as a disease that only has a slightly threatening, and it is not obviously visible to others. 45 However, RA is factually incurable with a prolonged course, even deformity and physical disability. 17 As a result, the chance of obtaining social support could be reduced when the patients deal with the symptoms of RA.…”

Patient and researcher perspectives on facilitating patient and public involvement in rheumatology research

“…• An opportunity to support research and ensure that it is targeted at patient needs • Improved dissemination among patient groups • Access to the latest research (Gerlag et al, 2012); the development of patient questionnaires and patient-initiated research to determine why people with symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis delay seeking help (Tiwana, Rowland, Fincher, Raza, & Stack, 2015).…”

“…Members of R2P2 are actively involved in all aspects of the research process, including the development of grant applications; the design of study procedures and of participant‐facing research materials; the development of informational resources; and the dissemination of research findings via patient networks and support groups. Patient partners are co‐authors on papers, including those related to the development of international research recommendations (Gerlag et al, ); the development of patient questionnaires (Stack et al, ) and patient‐initiated research to determine why people with symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis delay seeking help (Tiwana, Rowland, Fincher, Raza, & Stack, ).…”