Support available for and perceived priorities of people with polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis: results of the PMRGCAuk members’ survey 2017

Muller, Sara; O'Brien, Anne; Helliwell, Toby; Hay, Charles A; Gilbert, Kate; Mallen, Christian D; Busby, Kathryn

Abstract

Polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis are relatively common, but under research inflammatory rheumatological conditions. This survey aimed to ascertain the matters in which patients feel they need support with these conditions and appraise how the Charity PMRGCAuk currently supports these needs and could do so in the future. PMRGCAuk members (n?=?910) were invited to complete an on-line survey. The survey requested the respondent's history of PMR and or GCA, their perceived priorities for support for people with PMR and or GCA and views on the services already provided by the Charity. A total of 209 people completed the survey. Less than 24% had heard of either PMR or GCA before their diagnosis. Priorities in supporting people with PMR and or GCA included: being on and tapering off glucocorticoids (76.6%), specifically, length of treatment and the risks versus benefits and managing side effects. Respondents generally reported satisfaction with the services currently provided by PMRGCAuk. The support provided by PMRGCAuk is very helpful to members and fills an important gap in provision for people with PMR and or GCA. The areas in which the greatest proportions of participants requested support do not have an evidence base to underpin them. It is incumbent on the research community to address patients' concerns and provide an evidence base where it is required by those affected.

Citation

Muller, S., O'Brien, A., Helliwell, T., Hay, C. A., Gilbert, K., Mallen, C. D., & Busby, K. (2018). Support available for and perceived priorities of people with polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis: results of the PMRGCAuk members’ survey 2017. Clinical Rheumatology, 3411-3418. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10067-018-4220-1

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 16, 2018
• Publication Date: Dec 1, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: May 26, 2023
• Journal: Clinical Rheumatology
• Print ISSN: 0770-3198
• Publisher: Springer Verlag
• Pages: 3411-3418
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10067-018-4220-1
• Keywords: giant cell arteritis, patient involvement, polymyalgia rheumatica
• Publisher URL: http://doi.org/10.1007/s10067-018-4220-1