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Evolution of Patient Decision‐Making Regarding Medical Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Author(s) -
Mathews Alexandra L.,
Coleska Adriana,
Burns Patricia B.,
Chung Kevin C.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
arthritis care and research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.032
H-Index - 163
eISSN - 2151-4658
pISSN - 2151-464X
DOI - 10.1002/acr.22688
Subject(s) - paternalism , rheumatoid arthritis , medicine , patient participation , autonomy , grounded theory , patient satisfaction , qualitative research , family medicine , health care , physical therapy , nursing , social science , sociology , political science , law , economics , economic growth
Objective The migration of health care toward a consumer‐driven system favors increased patient participation during the treatment decision‐making process. Patient involvement in treatment decision discussions has been linked to increased treatment adherence and patient satisfaction. Previous studies have quantified decision‐making styles of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, none of them have considered the evolution of patient involvement after living with RA for many years. We conducted a qualitative study to determine the decision‐making model used by long‐term RA patients, and to describe the changes in their involvement over time. Methods Twenty participants were recruited from the ongoing Silicone Arthroplasty in Rheumatoid Arthritis study. Semistructured interviews were conducted and data were analyzed using grounded theory methodology. Results Nineteen out of 20 participants recalled using the paternalistic decision‐making (PDM) model immediately following their diagnosis. Fourteen of the 19 participants who initially used PDM evolved to shared decision‐making (SDM). Participants attributed the change in involvement to the development of a trusting relationship with their physician, as well as to becoming educated about the disease. Conclusion When initially diagnosed with RA, patients may let their physician decide on the best treatment course. However, over time patients may evolve to exercise a more collaborative role. Physicians should understand that even within SDM, each patient can demonstrate a varied amount of autonomy. It is up to the physician to have a discussion with each patient to determine his or her desired level of involvement.