Abstract
BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disabling common chronic inflammatory joint disease. In Ontario, the burden is higher in those aged 65 and older, in females, and in northern communities. This study examined patient disease impact and healthcare provider access and satisfaction as well as provider satisfaction, patient experience and educational suggestions. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews and reflexive thematic analysis were used. RESULTS: Interviews occurred with: (1) 18 Northern (N) Ontario patients, (2) 6 N Ontario family physicians, (3) 6 N Ontario pharmacists and (4) a rheumatologist and 4 advanced clinical practitioners in arthritis care (ACPACs) who treat N Ontario patients. Patients emphasised the need to: (1) act on early symptoms, (2) self-advocate, (3) attract more N Ontario rheumatologists, (4) educate the public, (5) recognise that medication can change over time and (6) pace physical tasks. Satisfaction was expressed with providers. Family physicians mentioned the need to: (1) be front-line educators, (2) commence initial treatment, (3) enhance undergraduate medical curricula and (4) require rheumatology rotations. Pharmacists expressed: (1) acting as patient educators, (2) assisting with insurance plans, (3) encouraging family physicians to commence treatment, (4) monitoring medication interactions and (5) professional collaboration. The ACPACs and rheumatologist stressed the value of: (1) patient advocates, (2) family physicians initiating treatment, (3) pharmacists monitoring for drug interactions, (4) expanding undergraduate medical school rheumatology curricula and (5) accessing local care. CONCLUSION: Additional patient and public education are needed. Enhancing undergraduate and graduate medical school rheumatology curricula, rotations, continuing rheumatology education and interprofessional collaboration were recommended.