A joint effort over a period of time: factors affecting use of urate-lowering therapy for long-term treatment of gout

Richardson, Jane C.; Liddle, Jennifer; Mallen, Christian D.; Roddy, Edward; Hider, Samantha; Prinjha, Suman; Ziebland, Sue

Abstract

Background
Although international guidelines encourage urate lowering therapy (ULT) for people who have more than two attacks of gout, only 30 % of patients are prescribed it and only 40 % of those adhere to the treatment. The aim was to explore reasons for this through an exploration of patient experience and understanding of ULT treatment for gout.

Methods
A qualitative study was conducted throughout the United Kingdom. Narrative and semi-structured video-recorded interviews and thematic analysis were used.

Results
Participants talked about their views and experiences of treatment, and the factors that affected their use of ULT. The analysis revealed five main themes: 1) knowledge and understanding of gout and its treatment; 2) resistance to taking medication; 3) uncertainty about when to start ULT; 4) experiences of using ULT; and 5) desire for information and monitoring.

Conclusion
Patients’ understanding and experiences of gout and ULT are complex and it is important for clinicians to be aware of these when working with patients. It is also important for clinicians to know that patients’ perceptions and behaviour are not fixed, but can change over time, with changes to their condition, with dialogue and increased understanding. Patients want this interaction with their clinicians, through “a joint effort over a period of time”.

Citation

Richardson, J. C., Liddle, J., Mallen, C. D., Roddy, E., Hider, S., Prinjha, S., & Ziebland, S. (2016). A joint effort over a period of time: factors affecting use of urate-lowering therapy for long-term treatment of gout. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-016-1117-5

• Acceptance Date: Jun 2, 2016
• Publication Date: Jun 6, 2016
• Journal: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
• Print ISSN: 1471-2474
• Publisher: BioMed Central
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-016-1117-5
• Keywords: Gout, Urate lowering therapy (ULT), Patient perceptions, Qualitative, Primary care
• Publisher URL: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12891-016-1117-5