Survey: Physicians Would Like More Goal-oriented Communication With Patients

Issue: February 2017

WASHINGTON — According to survey results presented at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting, 68% of physicians reported they would like more communication with patients about goals and treatment.

Perspective from John R.P. Tesser, MD, MD

Ara Dikranian, MD, rheumatologist at the San Diego Arthritis Medical Clinic and colleagues along with 38 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) experts designed a survey for patients and health care professionals from 15 countries. In total, 3,987 patients responded. Of these patients, 1,667 were managed by a rheumatologist. The mean patient age was 51.5 years and 64% were female. The median time since diagnosis was 7 years. Overall, 33% had moderate to severe disease and 10% had severe disease.

Of the 1,666 health care professionals who responded, 51% were office- or clinic-based and 22% were hospital- or lab-based. They saw an average of 92 patients with RA per month and 32.5% of their patients had moderate to severe disease and 17.4% had severe disease.

In the physician survey, 90% responded they were satisfied with their communication with patients; however, 68% responded they would have liked to talk more with their patients about goals and treatment. In addition, 93% noted they discuss quality of life issues with their patients and 86% noted they discuss treatment-related issues. Most of physicians (88%) noted patients who are involved in making treatment decisions tend to be more satisfied with their treatment, while 74% responded patients who are not involved are less likely to adhere to treatment. Of the 78% of physicians who responded that setting treatment goals with patients is important, 79% responded agreement with that treatment plan is important and 86% responded it is important to have an open dialogue.

In the patient survey, 53% responded that dialogue with the physician would optimize RA management. Yet, 61% also responded that they felt uncomfortable raising concerns or fears to their physician.

The researchers wrote these findings could help improve adherence and patient satisfaction with disease management. – by Will Offit

Reference:

Dikranian A, et al. Abstract #81. Presented at: American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting; Nov. 11-16, 2016; Washington.

Disclosures: Dikranian reports that he received funds from Pfizer and AbbVie. Please see the abstract for a list of all other relevant financial disclosures.

Perspective

John R.P. Tesser, MD, MD

This 2016 abstract is the follow-on to the 2015 abstract that focused on a patient survey alone. Health care providers (HCPs) and patients concur that increased dialogue between them would enhance patient care, but more HCPs than patients felt satisfied with this aspect of care and patients were reticent to raise concerns to their HCPs. Both HCPs and patients agree that setting treatment goals and agreeing on the treatment plan are important for management success which importantly pertains to patient adherence and satisfaction.

Interestingly, the 2015 abstract found that patients want fewer medications. Apparently, the five classical disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, nine currently available biologics and one targeted small molecule offer not enough choice per the results of the survey. Well, not to worry, as many more medication choices are on the way.

John R.P. Tesser, MD, MD

Arizona Arthritis & Rheumatology Associates

Phoenix, Ariz.

Disclosures: Tesser reports no relevant financial disclosures.