RESEARCH ARTICLE
Experiences of a patient-initiated self-monitoring service in inflammatory arthritis: A qualitative exploration†
Hayley McBain,
Stanton Newman,
Michael Shipley,
Abigail Olaleye,
Samantha Moore,
Corresponding Author
Hayley McBain
School of Health Sciences, City, University of London, London, UK
Correspondence
Dr Hayley McBain, School of Health Sciences, City University London, Northampton Square, London, EC1V 0HB, UK.
Email: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorStanton Newman
School of Health Sciences, City, University of London, London, UK
Search for more papers by this authorMichael Shipley
Centre for Rheumatology, University College London Hospital, London, UK
Search for more papers by this authorAbigail Olaleye
Centre for Rheumatology, University College London Hospital, London, UK
Search for more papers by this authorSamantha Moore
Centre for Rheumatology, University College London Hospital, London, UK
Search for more papers by this authorHayley McBain,
Stanton Newman,
Michael Shipley,
Abigail Olaleye,
Samantha Moore,
Corresponding Author
Hayley McBain
School of Health Sciences, City, University of London, London, UK
Correspondence
Dr Hayley McBain, School of Health Sciences, City University London, Northampton Square, London, EC1V 0HB, UK.
Email: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorStanton Newman
School of Health Sciences, City, University of London, London, UK
Search for more papers by this authorMichael Shipley
Centre for Rheumatology, University College London Hospital, London, UK
Search for more papers by this authorAbigail Olaleye
Centre for Rheumatology, University College London Hospital, London, UK
Search for more papers by this authorSamantha Moore
Centre for Rheumatology, University College London Hospital, London, UK
Search for more papers by this author†
The study was funded by UCLH Charity, specifically the Otto Beit Fund and the Shipley-Rudge Fund.
Abstract
Objectives
The aim of the present study was to explore patients' experience of a patient-initiated self-monitoring service for people with rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis who are on methotrexate.
Methods
The study took the form of qualitative semi-structured interviews, embedded within a randomized controlled trial. Twelve participants who were randomly assigned to the intervention arm were interviewed. Interviews digitally, transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. The study received full National Health Service ethics approval from Camden and Islington Community Local Research Ethics Committee (Ref. 09/H0722/91).
Results
Analysis revealed five key themes. Participants described usual care as burdensome and an inefficient use of time, particularly those in employment. Being able to self-monitor and initiate their own care increased patients' knowledge about their illness and its treatment, and enabled them to gain a sense of control and ownership over their arthritis. They appreciated the personalized nature of the new service, which allowed them to be seen at a time and by a method more appropriate to their needs. There were, however, some concerns about fidelity to the service protocol, confusion about the lack of consistency between symptoms and laboratory results, and anxiety about self-monitoring.
Conclusions
Overall, participants were positive about the new service, in comparison with usual care, valuing its tailored approach and empowering effects. Further work is needed to ensure adherence to the service protocol and address anxieties around self-monitoring prior to any widespread implementation of the service.
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