Sabrina Meyfroidt1, Kristien Van der Elst2, Diederik De Cock3, Johan Joly4, René Westhovens5, Marlies Hulscher6, Patrick Verschueren5. 1. Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. Electronic address: Sabrina.meyfroidt@med.kuleuven.be. 2. Center for Health Services and Nursing Research, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Rheumatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. 3. Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. 4. Rheumatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. 5. Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Rheumatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. 6. Scientific Institute for Quality of Healthcare, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To investigate patients' experiences with intensive combination-treatment strategies with glucocorticoids (ICTS-GCs) in the early phase of early rheumatoid arthritis (ERA) treatment. METHODS: We interviewed 26 participants individually, 4-6 months after initiation of ICTS-GCs (t1). Fourteen participants from the same sample took part in one of three focus groups at least 1 year after treatment initiation (t2). Each interview was audio-recorded, literally transcribed and thematically coded. RESULTS: The participants described concerns and feelings about ICTS-GCs that changed over time; for example, a fear of side effects diminished when the treatment effects were beneficial or expected side effects did not materialize. Moreover, participants indicated additional information needs at t1 and t2. The most used sources of information were healthcare professionals, relatives, and the Internet. Furthermore, participants reported on their relationship with healthcare professionals and the need for trust and reassurance, especially at t1. Lastly, participants described their personal self-management strategies. CONCLUSION: Despite their concerns at treatment initiation, most participants had positive experiences with ICTS-GCs. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Healthcare professionals should be aware that, in the early phase of treatment, they can address patients' concerns, they are the most important information source, they need to create a relationship of trust, and guide patients in self-management strategies.
OBJECTIVES: To investigate patients' experiences with intensive combination-treatment strategies with glucocorticoids (ICTS-GCs) in the early phase of early rheumatoid arthritis (ERA) treatment. METHODS: We interviewed 26 participants individually, 4-6 months after initiation of ICTS-GCs (t1). Fourteen participants from the same sample took part in one of three focus groups at least 1 year after treatment initiation (t2). Each interview was audio-recorded, literally transcribed and thematically coded. RESULTS: The participants described concerns and feelings about ICTS-GCs that changed over time; for example, a fear of side effects diminished when the treatment effects were beneficial or expected side effects did not materialize. Moreover, participants indicated additional information needs at t1 and t2. The most used sources of information were healthcare professionals, relatives, and the Internet. Furthermore, participants reported on their relationship with healthcare professionals and the need for trust and reassurance, especially at t1. Lastly, participants described their personal self-management strategies. CONCLUSION: Despite their concerns at treatment initiation, most participants had positive experiences with ICTS-GCs. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Healthcare professionals should be aware that, in the early phase of treatment, they can address patients' concerns, they are the most important information source, they need to create a relationship of trust, and guide patients in self-management strategies.
Authors: Sabrina Meyfroidt; Marlies Hulscher; Diederik De Cock; Kristien Van der Elst; Johan Joly; René Westhovens; Patrick Verschueren Journal: Clin Rheumatol Date: 2015-02-26 Impact factor: 2.980
Authors: Patrick Verschueren; Diederik De Cock; Luk Corluy; Rik Joos; Christine Langenaken; Veerle Taelman; Frank Raeman; Isabelle Ravelingien; Klaas Vandevyvere; Jan Lenaerts; Elke Geens; Piet Geusens; Johan Vanhoof; Anne Durnez; Jan Remans; Bert Vander Cruyssen; Els Van Essche; An Sileghem; Griet De Brabanter; Johan Joly; Kristien Van der Elst; Sabrina Meyfroidt; Rene Westhovens Journal: Arthritis Res Ther Date: 2015-04-09 Impact factor: 5.156
Authors: Sofia Pazmino; Annelies Boonen; Diederik De Cock; Veerle Stouten; Johan Joly; Delphine Bertrand; René Westhovens; Patrick Verschueren Journal: RMD Open Date: 2021-05
Authors: Marieke J Spijk-de Jonge; Sofie H M Manders; Anita M P Huis; Glyn Elwyn; Mart A F J van de Laar; Piet L C M van Riel; Marlies E J L Hulscher Journal: Mediterr J Rheumatol Date: 2021-03-31