POS0048-HPR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS’ EXPERIENCES OF LIFESTYLE MANAGEMENT IN PATIENTS WITH EARLY RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS – A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

BackgroundRheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory systemic disease that mainly affects joints and with symptoms such as stiffness, pain, and increased fatigue. RA also appears to be an independent risk factor for accelerated atherosclerosis with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, why national and international guidelines recommend proper pharmacological treatment together with a healthy lifestyle (1). Supporting people with early RA to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle is therefore of great importance. However, few studies have explored healthcare professionals’ views of working with lifestyle management. A healthy lifestyle does not only have the potential to lower cardiovascular risk but may also improve a person’s quality of life.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to explore healthcare professionals´ experiences of lifestyle management in patients with early RA.MethodsIn this explorative qualitative study, individual interviews were conducted with 20 healthcare professionals who had a mean of 16 years of professional experience in the field of working with patients with RA. An interview guide with open-ended questions was used e.g.: “How do you work with lifestyle changes in patients with RA?” and “What theories do you use to support lifestyle changes?” Qualitative content analysis was used, where three categories emerged: “The importance of a well-functioning organization”, “The importance of teamwork” and “The importance of person-centered care” and nine subcategories, representing the overall content of the interviews (Table 1).Table 1.Overview of categories and subcategories that describes healthcare professionals´ experiences of lifestyle management in patients with early RACategoriesSubcategoriesThe importance of a well-functioning organizationSupportive leadershipPriority of lifestyle managementCompetence development in lifestyle managementThe importance of teamworkInterdisciplinary teamProfessional expertise in lifestyle habitsStructured approach to lifestyle managementThe importance of person-centered careIndividually tailored lifestyle managementShared decision-makingPatient engagementResultsHealthcare professionals’ experiences of lifestyle management in patients with early RA included the importance of a well-functioning organization with supportive leadership, priority of lifestyle management, and competence development in lifestyle management. The importance of teamwork was emphasized including interdisciplinary team, professional expertise in lifestyle habits, and structured approach to lifestyle management. The healthcare professionals also highlighted the importance of person-centered care with individually tailored lifestyle management, shared decision-making, and patient engagement.ConclusionHealthcare professionals’ experiences of lifestyle management in patients with early RA reveal that commitment from both the management, the team, and the patient is important.