Impact of Patient with Patient Interaction on Perceived Rheumatoid Arthritis Overall Disease Status

Abstract

To determine whether patient interaction impacts on perceived disease severity and ability to cope with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) forty RA patients were assessed using joint counts, clinician global assessment, patient global assessment (PGA), VAS pain scale and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). All participants had six one-on-one conversations about their disease activity and the effect of RA on their lives. Follow-up questionnaires asked about recall of pre-conversation PGA; post-conversation PGA; change in PGA; and change in ability to cope as a result of the conversations. 87.5% of the questionnaires were returned. Pre- and post-conversation PGA were statistically reliable; PGA score improved (P = 0.004); 60.0% of participants felt their ability to cope with their disease improved as a result of this interaction. RA patients benefit from sharing information with like patients. Support groups may be an integral part of treatment strategy in patients with RA.

Key Words:

• rheumatoid arthritis
• support
• coping