Rheumatoid Arthritis: Kendall S

Ryan S, Hassell A, Dawes P, Kendall S. · Haywood Hospital, Stoke on Trent. · Nurs Times. · Pubmed #12715557 No free full text.

Abstract: Forty patients with rheumatoid arthritis were randomly recruited from an outpatient population for an in-depth, qualitative interview. The aim was to identify factors that influence whether patients feel they have any control over their condition. The data were analysed using Colaizzi's procedural steps. Four major categories that positively influence perceptions of control were identified. These were the reduction of physical symptoms, the matching of social support with perceived need, the provision of information, and the nature of the clinical consultation.

Ryan S, Hassell A, Dawes P, Kendall S. · Staffordshire Rheumatology Centre, The Haywood Hospital, High Lane, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 7AG, UK. · Rheumatology (Oxford). · Pubmed #12509626 links to  free full text

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.