TY - JOUR
T1 - 'All singing from the same hymn sheet': healthcare professionals' perceptions of developing patient education material about the cardiovascular aspects of rheumatoid arthritis
AU - John, H
AU - Hale, Elizabeth
AU - Treharne, GJ
AU - Carroll, Douglas
AU - Kitas, George
PY - 2009/12/1
Y1 - 2009/12/1
N2 - OBJECTIVE
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in Britain, and its prevention is a priority. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients have an increased risk of CVD, and management of modifiable classical risk factors requires a programme with patient education at its heart. Before a programme for RA patients is implemented, it is important to explore the perceptions of patients and relevant healthcare professionals and consider how these could influence the subsequent content, timing and delivery of such education. Here, we assess healthcare professionals' perceptions.
METHODS
Qualitative focus group methodology was adopted. Four group meetings of healthcare professionals were held using a semi-structured interview schedule. The focus group transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.
RESULTS
Three superordinate themes emerged: professional determinations about people with RA, including their perceptions about patients' priorities and motivations; communication about CVD risk, including what should be communicated, how, to whom and when; and responsibility for CVD management, referring to patients and the healthcare community.
CONCLUSIONS
Although healthcare professionals agree that it is important to convey the increased CVD risk to patients with RA, there is concern they may be less proactive in promoting risk management strategies. There was uncertainty about the best time to discuss CVD with RA patients. Maintaining a close relationship between primary and secondary care was thought to be important, with all healthcare professionals 'singing from the same hymn sheet'. These findings can inform the development of novel education material to fulfil a currently unmet clinical need.
AB - OBJECTIVE
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in Britain, and its prevention is a priority. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients have an increased risk of CVD, and management of modifiable classical risk factors requires a programme with patient education at its heart. Before a programme for RA patients is implemented, it is important to explore the perceptions of patients and relevant healthcare professionals and consider how these could influence the subsequent content, timing and delivery of such education. Here, we assess healthcare professionals' perceptions.
METHODS
Qualitative focus group methodology was adopted. Four group meetings of healthcare professionals were held using a semi-structured interview schedule. The focus group transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.
RESULTS
Three superordinate themes emerged: professional determinations about people with RA, including their perceptions about patients' priorities and motivations; communication about CVD risk, including what should be communicated, how, to whom and when; and responsibility for CVD management, referring to patients and the healthcare community.
CONCLUSIONS
Although healthcare professionals agree that it is important to convey the increased CVD risk to patients with RA, there is concern they may be less proactive in promoting risk management strategies. There was uncertainty about the best time to discuss CVD with RA patients. Maintaining a close relationship between primary and secondary care was thought to be important, with all healthcare professionals 'singing from the same hymn sheet'. These findings can inform the development of novel education material to fulfil a currently unmet clinical need.
U2 - 10.1002/msc.157
DO - 10.1002/msc.157
M3 - Article
C2 - 19517492
SN - 1557-0681
SN - 1557-0681
SN - 1557-0681
SN - 1557-0681
SN - 1557-0681
SN - 1557-0681
SN - 1557-0681
SN - 1557-0681
SN - 1557-0681
SN - 1557-0681
SN - 1557-0681
VL - 7
SP - 256
EP - 271
JO - Musculoskeletal care
JF - Musculoskeletal care
IS - 4
ER -