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Islam ST, Descallar J, Martens D, Hassett G, Gibson KA. Screening for Anxiety in Patients With Inflammatory Arthritis Using the Multidimensional Health Assessment Questionnaire. J Rheumatol 2023; 50:1273-1278. [PMID: 37399467 DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.2022-1261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the Multidimensional Health Assessment Questionnaire (MDHAQ) in screening for anxiety in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), compared to the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) as the reference standard. METHODS Patients with a physician diagnosis of RA or PsA were invited to complete the MDHAQ and HADS at their routine rheumatology clinic visit. Sensitivity, specificity, percent agreement, and [Formula: see text] statistics were used to evaluate agreement between 2 MDHAQ items for anxiety and HADS subscale for Anxiety (HADS-A) score of ≥ 8. The first item is a question asked on a 4-point scale (0-3.3), and the second is a yes or no (blank) question asked within a 60-item review of symptoms (ROS) checklist. RESULTS The study included 183 participants, of whom 126 (68.9%) had RA and 57 (31.1%) had PsA. The mean age was 57.3 years and 66.7% were female. Positive screening for anxiety according to a HADS-A score of ≥ 8 was seen in 39.3% of patients. Compared to those with a HADS-A score of ≥ 8, patients with an MDHAQ score of ≥ 2.2 or a positive on ROS had a sensitivity of 69.9%, specificity of 73.6% and substantial agreement (agreement 80.9%, [Formula: see text] 0.59). CONCLUSION The MDHAQ provides information similar to the HADS in screening for anxiety in patients with RA and PsA. The use of this single questionnaire, which can also be used to monitor clinical status and to screen for fibromyalgia and depression without requiring multiple questionnaires, may prove a valuable tool in routine clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadia Tasnim Islam
- S.T. Islam, MD, Department of Rheumatology, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool;
| | - Joseph Descallar
- J. Descallar, MBiostat, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, and South West Sydney Clinical Campuses, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney), Liverpool
| | - David Martens
- D. Martens, MBBS, Department of Rheumatology, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, and South West Sydney Clinical Campuses, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Liverpool
| | - Geraldine Hassett
- G. Hassett, PhD, K.A. Gibson, PhD, Department of Rheumatology, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, and South West Sydney Clinical Campuses, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Liverpool, Australia
| | - Kathryn Alleyne Gibson
- G. Hassett, PhD, K.A. Gibson, PhD, Department of Rheumatology, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, and South West Sydney Clinical Campuses, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Liverpool, Australia
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Herron D, Chew-Graham CA, Hider S, Machin A, Paskins Z, Cooke K, Desilva EE, Jinks C. Acceptability of nurse-led reviews for inflammatory rheumatological conditions: A qualitative study. JOURNAL OF COMORBIDITY 2021; 11:26335565211002402. [PMID: 33912472 PMCID: PMC8047946 DOI: 10.1177/26335565211002402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background: People with inflammatory rheumatological conditions (IRCs), are at increased risk of comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, anxiety and depression. The INCLUDE pilot trial evaluated a nurse-delivered review of people with IRCs which sought to identify and initiate management of comorbid conditions. Aim: A nested qualitative study was undertaken to examine the acceptability of the INCLUDE review. Methods: A qualitative interview-based design in UK primary care settings. A purposive sample of 20 patients who attended an INCLUDE review, were interviewed. Inductive thematic analysis was undertaken. Themes were agreed through multidisciplinary team discussion and mapped onto constructs of the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA). Results: Six themes mapped onto six of the seven TFA constructs. Patients reported the review to be effective by identifying and initiating management of previously unrecognised comorbid conditions. Some participants reported barriers to following recommendations, such as lifestyle modifications or taking more medication. Conclusion: A nurse-delivered review to identify comorbidities is acceptable to patients with IRCs. The TFA provided a novel analytical lens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Herron
- School of Life Sciences and Education, Science Centre, Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent, UK
| | - Carolyn A Chew-Graham
- Primary Care Centre Versus Arthritis, School of Medicine, David Weatherall Building, Keele University, Keele, UK.,Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Stafford, UK
| | - Samantha Hider
- Primary Care Centre Versus Arthritis, School of Medicine, David Weatherall Building, Keele University, Keele, UK.,Haywood Academic Rheumatology Centre, Midlands Partnership Foundation Trust, Stafford, UK
| | - Annabelle Machin
- Primary Care Centre Versus Arthritis, School of Medicine, David Weatherall Building, Keele University, Keele, UK
| | - Zoe Paskins
- Primary Care Centre Versus Arthritis, School of Medicine, David Weatherall Building, Keele University, Keele, UK.,Haywood Academic Rheumatology Centre, Midlands Partnership Foundation Trust, Stafford, UK
| | - Kendra Cooke
- Keele Clinical Trials Unit, School of Medicine, David Weatherall Building, Keele University, Keele, UK
| | - Erandie Ediriweera Desilva
- Primary Care Centre Versus Arthritis, School of Medicine, David Weatherall Building, Keele University, Keele, UK.,Family Medicine Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Clare Jinks
- Primary Care Centre Versus Arthritis, School of Medicine, David Weatherall Building, Keele University, Keele, UK
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Hider SL, Bucknall M, Jinks C, Cooke K, Cooke K, Desilva EE, Finney AG, Healey EL, Herron D, Machin AR, Mallen CD, Wathall S, Chew-Graham CA. A pilot study of a nurse-led integrated care review (the INCLUDE review) for people with inflammatory rheumatological conditions in primary care: feasibility study findings. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2021; 7:9. [PMID: 33407943 PMCID: PMC7786467 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-020-00750-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with inflammatory rheumatological conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis are at an increased risk of common comorbidities including cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and mood problems, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Identifying and treating these problems could lead to improved patient quality of life and outcomes. Despite these risks being well-established, patients currently are not systematically targeted for management interventions for these morbidities. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of a nurse-led integrated care review in primary care to identify and manage these morbidities. METHODS A pilot cluster RCT was delivered across four UK general practices. Patients with a diagnostic Read code for one of the inflammatory rheumatological conditions of interest were recruited by post. In intervention practices (n = 2), eligible patients were invited to attend the INCLUDE review. Outcome measures included health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L), patient activation, self-efficacy and treatment burden. A sample (n = 24) of INCLUDE review consultations were audio-recorded and assessed against a fidelity checklist. RESULTS 453/789 (57%) patients responded to the invitation, although 114/453 (25%) were excluded as they either did not fulfil eligibility criteria or failed to provide full written consent. In the intervention practices, uptake of the INCLUDE review was high at 72%. Retention at 3 and 6 months both reached pre-specified success criteria. Participants in intervention practices had more primary care contacts than controls (mean 29 vs 22) over the 12 months, with higher prescribing of all relevant medication classes in participants in intervention practices, particularly so for osteoporosis medication (baseline 29% vs 12 month 46%). The intervention was delivered with fidelity, although potential areas for improvement were identified. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this pilot study suggest it is feasible to deliver an RCT of the nurse-led integrated care (INCLUDE) review in primary care. A significant morbidity burden was identified. Early results suggest the INCLUDE review was associated with changes in practice. Lessons have been learnt around Read codes for patient identification and refining the nurse training. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN, ISRCTN12765345.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L Hider
- School of Primary, Community and Social Care, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, UK. .,Haywood Academic Rheumatology Centre, Midlands Partnership Foundation Trust, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, ST6 7AG, UK.
| | - Milica Bucknall
- School of Primary, Community and Social Care, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, UK.,Keele Clinical Trials Unit, Keele University, Stoke on Trent, UK
| | - Clare Jinks
- School of Primary, Community and Social Care, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, UK.,National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) West Midlands, Keele, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, UK
| | - Kelly Cooke
- Haywood Academic Rheumatology Centre, Midlands Partnership Foundation Trust, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, ST6 7AG, UK
| | - Kendra Cooke
- Keele Clinical Trials Unit, Keele University, Stoke on Trent, UK
| | - Erandie Ediriweera Desilva
- School of Primary, Community and Social Care, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, UK.,Family Medicine Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Andrew G Finney
- School of Primary, Community and Social Care, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, UK.,School of Nursing and Midwifery, Keele University, Clinical Education Centre, University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, Royal Stoke University Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 6QG, UK
| | - Emma L Healey
- School of Primary, Community and Social Care, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, UK
| | - Daniel Herron
- School of Primary, Community and Social Care, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, UK
| | - Annabelle R Machin
- School of Primary, Community and Social Care, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, UK
| | - Christian D Mallen
- School of Primary, Community and Social Care, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, UK.,National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) West Midlands, Keele, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, UK.,Midlands Partnership Foundation Trust, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST16 3SR, UK
| | - Simon Wathall
- School of Primary, Community and Social Care, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, UK
| | - Carolyn A Chew-Graham
- School of Primary, Community and Social Care, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, UK.,National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) West Midlands, Keele, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, UK.,Midlands Partnership Foundation Trust, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST16 3SR, UK
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Kvien TK, Balsa A, Betteridge N, Buch MH, Durez P, Favalli EG, Favier G, Gabay C, Geenen R, Gouni-Berthold I, van den Hoogen F, Kent A, Klareskog L, Ostergaard M, Pavelka K, Polido Pereira J, Semb AG, Sköld M, Dougados M. Considerations for improving quality of care of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and associated comorbidities. RMD Open 2020; 6:e001211. [PMID: 32683326 PMCID: PMC7722279 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2020-001211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorder with a global prevalence of approximately 0.5-1%. Patients with RA are at an increased risk of developing comorbidities (eg, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, diabetes and depression). Despite this, there are limited recommendations for the management and implementation of associated comorbidities. This study aimed to identify good practice interventions in the care of RA and associated comorbidities. METHODS A combination of primary research (180+ interviews with specialists across 12 European rheumatology centres) and secondary research (literature review of existing publications and guidelines/recommendations) were used to identify challenges in management and corresponding good practice interventions. Findings were prioritised and reviewed by a group of 18 rheumatology experts including rheumatologists, comorbidity experts, a patient representative and a highly specialised nurse. RESULTS Challenges throughout the patient pathway (including delays in diagnosis and referral, shortage of rheumatologists, limited awareness of primary care professionals) and 18 good practice interventions were identified in the study. The expert group segmented and prioritised interventions according to three distinct stages of the disease: (1) suspected RA, (2) recent diagnosis of RA and (3) established RA. Examples of good practice interventions included enabling self-management (self-monitoring and disease management support, for example, lifestyle adaptations); early arthritis clinic; rapid access to care (online referral, triage, ultrasound-guided diagnosis); dedicated comorbidity specialists; enhanced communication with primary care (hotline, education sessions); and integrating patient registries into daily clinical practice. CONCLUSION Learning from implementation of good practice interventions in centres across Europe provides an opportunity to more widely improved care for patients with RA and associated comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tore K Kvien
- Dept. of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | - Maya H Buch
- Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic & Musculoskeletal Medicine, Chapel Allerton Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Patrick Durez
- Cliniques Universitaires Saint Luc, UCL, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Guillaume Favier
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic & Musculoskeletal Medicine, Chapel Allerton Hospital, Leeds, UK
- Global Strategy Group, KPMG LLP, London, UK
| | - Cem Gabay
- Department of Internal Medicine Specialties, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Frank van den Hoogen
- Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Sint Maartenskliniek, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Alison Kent
- Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust, Salisbury, UK
| | | | - Mikkel Ostergaard
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research, Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Kobenhavn, Denmark
| | - Karel Pavelka
- Rheumatologic Clinic, Institute of Rheumatology, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | | | - Magnus Sköld
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine Solna and Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maxime Dougados
- Hôpital Cochin, Rheumatology, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
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The extra-articular impacts of rheumatoid arthritis: moving towards holistic care. BMC Rheumatol 2018; 2:32. [PMID: 30886982 PMCID: PMC6390577 DOI: 10.1186/s41927-018-0039-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although treat-to-target has revolutionised the outcomes of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) there is emerging evidence that attaining the target of remission is insufficient to normalise patients’ quality of life, and ameliorate the extra-articular impacts of RA. RA has a broad range of effects on patient’s lives, with four key “extra-articular” impacts being pain, depression and anxiety, fatigue and rheumatoid cachexia. All of these are seen frequently; for example, studies have reported that 1 in 4 patients with RA have high-levels of fatigue. Commonly used drug treatments (including simple analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and anti-depressants) have, at most, only modest benefits and often cause adverse events. Psychological strategies and dynamic and aerobic exercise all reduce issues like pain and fatigue, although their effects are also only modest. The aetiologies of these extra-articular impacts are multifactorial, but share overlapping components. Consequently, patients are likely to benefit from management strategies that extend beyond the assessment and treatment of synovitis, and incorporate more broad-based, or “holistic”, assessments of the extra-articular impacts of RA and their management, including non-pharmacological approaches. Innovative digital technologies (including tablet and smartphone “apps” that directly interface with hospital systems) are increasingly available that can directly capture patient-reported outcomes during and between clinic visits, and include them within electronic patient records. These are likely to play an important future role in delivering such approaches.
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Hider SL, Bucknall M, Cooke K, Cooke K, Finney AG, Goddin D, Healey EL, Hennings S, Herron D, Jinks C, Lewis M, Machin A, Mallen C, Wathall S, Chew-Graham CA. The INCLUDE study: INtegrating and improving Care for patients with infLammatory rheUmatological DisordErs in the community; identifying multimorbidity: Protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial. JOURNAL OF COMORBIDITY 2018; 8:2235042X18792373. [PMID: 30191145 PMCID: PMC6088485 DOI: 10.1177/2235042x18792373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Patients with inflammatory rheumatic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica and ankylosing spondylitis are at increased risk of common comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and anxiety and depression which lead to increased morbidity and mortality. These associated morbidities are often un-recognized and under-treated. While patients with other long-term conditions such as diabetes are invited for routine reviews in primary care, which may include identification and management of co-morbidities, at present this does not occur for patients with inflammatory conditions, and thus, opportunities to diagnose and optimally manage these comorbidities are missed. Objective To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a nurse-led integrated care review (the INtegrating and improving Care for patients with infLammatory rheUmatological DisordErs in the community (INCLUDE) review) for people with inflammatory rheumatological conditions in primary care. Design A pilot cluster randomized controlled trial will be undertaken to test the feasibility and acceptability of a nurse-led integrated primary care review for identification, assessment and initial management of common comorbidities including cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and anxiety and depression. A process evaluation will be undertaken using a mixed methods approach including participant self-reported questionnaires, a medical record review, an INCLUDE EMIS template, intervention fidelity checking using audio-recordings of the INCLUDE review consultation and qualitative interviews with patient participants, study nurses and study general practitioners (GPs). Discussion Success of the pilot study will be measured against the engagement, recruitment and study retention rates of both general practices and participants. Acceptability of the INCLUDE review to patients and practitioners and treatment fidelity will be explored using a parallel process evaluation. Trial Registration ISRCTN12765345.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L Hider
- Arthritis Research UK Primary Care Centre, Research Institute for Primary Care and Health Sciences, Keele University, Keele, UK.,Haywood Academic Rheumatology Centre, Haywood Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent, UK
| | - Milica Bucknall
- Arthritis Research UK Primary Care Centre, Research Institute for Primary Care and Health Sciences, Keele University, Keele, UK.,Keele Clinical Trials Unit, Keele University, Keele, UK
| | - Kelly Cooke
- Haywood Academic Rheumatology Centre, Haywood Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent, UK
| | - Kendra Cooke
- Keele Clinical Trials Unit, Keele University, Keele, UK
| | - Andrew G Finney
- Arthritis Research UK Primary Care Centre, Research Institute for Primary Care and Health Sciences, Keele University, Keele, UK.,School of Nursing and Midwifery, Keele University, Keele UK.,Clinical Education Centre, University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, Stoke on Trent UK
| | - Dave Goddin
- Keele Clinical Trials Unit, Keele University, Keele, UK
| | - Emma L Healey
- Arthritis Research UK Primary Care Centre, Research Institute for Primary Care and Health Sciences, Keele University, Keele, UK.,WM CLAHRC National Institute of Health Research Collaborations for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care West Midlands, UK
| | | | - Daniel Herron
- Arthritis Research UK Primary Care Centre, Research Institute for Primary Care and Health Sciences, Keele University, Keele, UK
| | - Clare Jinks
- Arthritis Research UK Primary Care Centre, Research Institute for Primary Care and Health Sciences, Keele University, Keele, UK.,WM CLAHRC National Institute of Health Research Collaborations for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care West Midlands, UK
| | - Martyn Lewis
- Arthritis Research UK Primary Care Centre, Research Institute for Primary Care and Health Sciences, Keele University, Keele, UK.,Keele Clinical Trials Unit, Keele University, Keele, UK
| | - Annabelle Machin
- Arthritis Research UK Primary Care Centre, Research Institute for Primary Care and Health Sciences, Keele University, Keele, UK
| | - Christian Mallen
- Arthritis Research UK Primary Care Centre, Research Institute for Primary Care and Health Sciences, Keele University, Keele, UK.,WM CLAHRC National Institute of Health Research Collaborations for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care West Midlands, UK
| | - Simon Wathall
- Arthritis Research UK Primary Care Centre, Research Institute for Primary Care and Health Sciences, Keele University, Keele, UK
| | - Carolyn A Chew-Graham
- Arthritis Research UK Primary Care Centre, Research Institute for Primary Care and Health Sciences, Keele University, Keele, UK.,WM CLAHRC National Institute of Health Research Collaborations for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care West Midlands, UK
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Improving recognition of anxiety and depression in rheumatoid arthritis: a qualitative study in a community clinic. Br J Gen Pract 2017; 67:e531-e537. [PMID: 28716999 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp17x691877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Comorbid anxiety and depression are common in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) but are often under-recognised and treated, contributing to worse outcomes. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends that patients with RA should be offered a holistic annual review, including an assessment of mood. AIM To explore patients' perspectives of anxiety and depression in RA and preferences for disclosure and management of mood problems. DESIGN AND SETTING Qualitative interview study with patients recruited from a nurse-led RA annual review clinic in the Midlands, England. METHOD Patients attending the clinic who scored ≥3 on the case-finding questions (PHQ-2 and GAD-2) were invited for interview. Data were analysed thematically using principles of constant comparison. RESULTS Participants recognised a connection between their RA and mood, though this was perceived variably. Some lacked candidacy for care, normalising their mood problems. Fear of stigmatisation, a lack of time, and the perception that clinicians prioritise physical over mental health problems recursively affected help-seeking. Good communication and continuity of care were perceived to be integral to disclosure of mood problems. Participants expressed a preference for psychological therapies, though they reported problems accessing care. Some perceived medication to be offered as a 'quick fix' and feared potential drug interactions. CONCLUSION Prior experiences can lead patients with RA and comorbid anxiety and depression to feel they lack candidacy for care. Provision of equal priority to mental and physical health problems by GPs and improved continuity of care could help disclosure of mood concerns. Facilitation of access to psychological therapies could improve outcomes for both mental and physical health problems.
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