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Patients' perceptions of treatment with anti-TNF therapy for rheumatoid arthritis: a qualitative study

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Lesley Kay

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Abstract

Objectives. Anti-tumour necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy is a highly effective treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as documented using standard outcome measures in clinical trials. Anecdotal experience suggests health benefits for patients other than those measured in this way. We wished to explore Patients' experience of and views about this treatment and the British Society for Rheumatology Biologics Registry (BSR BR) process. Methods. Separate focus groups for patients treated with infliximab (n = 7) and etanercept (n = 12) were undertaken. They were taped and transcribed verbatim, analysed and subjected to peer review and themes were identified. Results. Five main themes were identified: expectations of treatment, experience of treatment and its effects, concerns about taking a new class of drug, views about the BSR Biologics Registry process and costs. Conclusions. Patients' experience of anti-TNF therapy was good, particularly in terms of physical function and well-being, although it did not live up to the very high expectations of some patients. The BSR BR process caused initial apprehension but patients had personal and altruistic reasons for being happy to comply with monitoring requirements. Qualitative methods add to our understanding of the effects of anti-TNF therapy for people with RA.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Marshall NJ, Wilson G, Lapworth K, Kay LJ

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Rheumatology

Year: 2004

Volume: 43

Issue: 8

Pages: 1034-1038

ISSN (print): 1462-0324

ISSN (electronic): 1462-0332

Publisher: Oxford University Press

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/rheumatology/keh237

DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keh237


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