Preferences for Self‐Management and Support Services in Patients With Inflammatory Joint Disease: A Danish Nationwide Cross‐Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective To explore preferences for self‐management and support services in patients with inflammatory joint disease (IJD) and whether these preferences differ by age, gender, diagnosis and disease duration. Methods Nationwide cross‐sectional online survey for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis. Descriptive statistics were applied to explore preferences and test for differences according to the different subgroups of patients. Results The questionnaire was completed by 664 patients. Younger patients indicated greater interest in one‐to‐one discussions with psychologists or another patient, educational sessions, events and online services, and older patients in talks by researchers. More women than men indicated interest in health professionals’ one‐to‐one discussions, occupational therapists’ question‐and‐answer (Q&A) sessions, physical activity, and informational websites. Patients with axial spondyloarthritis tended to indicate the most interest and patients with rheumatoid arthritis the least in the different services, reaching statistical significance regarding discussion groups about IJD experiences, one‐to‐one discussions with psychologists or another patient, Q&A with another patient, stress/anger management, and online patient communication. More patients with short rather than long disease duration indicated interest in one‐to‐one discussions with rheumatologists or nurses, organised talks with experienced patients, and online services for patient communication and stories. Conclusions Patients with IJD report various needs regarding self‐management and support services, including one‐to‐one services traditionally delivered as part of usual care, but also talks, physical activity, educational and online services. Although preferences differed across age, gender, diagnosis and disease duration, all subgroups indicated great need for support with only small differences in their top preferences.