S Ryan1, A Hassell, P Dawes, S Kendall. 1. Staffordshire Rheumatology Centre, The Haywood Hospital, High Lane, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 7AG, UK. sarah@stoke1.junglelink.co.uk
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To identify factors that patients perceive as influencing control in living with the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHOD: A sample of 40 patients with RA were recruited randomly from an out-patient population. The participants of the sample were interviewed in depth by one researcher to identify perceptions of control. They also completed two self-administered questionnaires, the Health Assessment Questionnaire and the Rheumatology Attitude Index. RESULTS: Four major categories were identified that positively influenced perceptions of control in patients living with the consequences of RA. These included: (i) the reduction of physical symptoms; (ii) social support matching perceived need; (iii) the provision of information; and (iv) the medical consultation. Components of the consultation included patient involvement, provision of information, feedback and reassurance, empathy and access to an expert. CONCLUSION: The categories identified can be influenced by health-care professionals in the management of the patient, and if the medical consultation is utilized to its full potential it can play a major role in enabling patients with RA to manage the daily symptoms of their condition.
OBJECTIVE: To identify factors that patients perceive as influencing control in living with the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHOD: A sample of 40 patients with RA were recruited randomly from an out-patient population. The participants of the sample were interviewed in depth by one researcher to identify perceptions of control. They also completed two self-administered questionnaires, the Health Assessment Questionnaire and the Rheumatology Attitude Index. RESULTS: Four major categories were identified that positively influenced perceptions of control in patients living with the consequences of RA. These included: (i) the reduction of physical symptoms; (ii) social support matching perceived need; (iii) the provision of information; and (iv) the medical consultation. Components of the consultation included patient involvement, provision of information, feedback and reassurance, empathy and access to an expert. CONCLUSION: The categories identified can be influenced by health-care professionals in the management of the patient, and if the medical consultation is utilized to its full potential it can play a major role in enabling patients with RA to manage the daily symptoms of their condition.
Authors: E D Hale; G J Treharne; A C Lyons; Y Norton; S Mole; D L Mitton; K M J Douglas; N Erb; G D Kitas Journal: Ann Rheum Dis Date: 2005-10-11 Impact factor: 19.103
Authors: Anita E Williams; Christopher J Nester; Michael I Ravey; Anke Kottink; Morey-Gaspar Klapsing Journal: J Foot Ankle Res Date: 2010-10-08 Impact factor: 2.303