Patient satisfaction with medication in rheumatoid arthritis: an unmet need

ObjectivesShared decision-making between rheumatologists and patients has become an overarching principle in current treatment recommendations in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to assess the satisfaction of patients with RA with their treatment and to investigate the associated factors.Material and methodsA cross-sectional study was carried out in the Rheumatology Department of Mongi Slim Hospital. We included adults with RA receiving their current disease-modifying anti- rheumatic drugs for at least 12 months. Satisfaction among patients was assessed by the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medica-tion (TSQM) and it was defined by a score ≥ 80%. The factors indirectly influencing patient satisfac-tion that were assessed were: satisfaction with medical care management, disease activity, function-al impact, professional impact, and the impact of RA. Multivariable regression analysis was applied to determine the predictors of satisfaction.ResultsWe included 70 patients (63 female/7 male) with a mean age of 57.8 ±10.6 years. The mean disease duration was 13.71 ±7.2 years. Mean TSQM scores were 65.42 ±14.77 for convenience, 68.71 ±18 for effectiveness, 70.60 ±24.5 for side effects, and 67.95 ±17.10 for global satisfaction. Satisfaction rates were: 20% for convenience, 39% for effectiveness, 46% for side effects and 30% for global satisfaction. In multivariable analysis, the predictors of global dissatisfaction were Rheumatoid Arthritis Impact of Disease (RAID) overall score (p = 0.003) and the degree of physical difficulties (p = 0.001). Satisfac-tion with the physician was correlated with better global satisfaction (p = 0.029). Difficulties in adapt-ing to RA (p = 0.043) and current treatment with biologics (p = 0.027) were predictors of dissatisfaction with convenience. Predictors of dissatisfaction with efficiency were the RAID over-all score (p = 0.032) and the difficulties of adapting to RA (p = 0.013). The predictors of satisfaction with side effects were a lower degree of interference with domestic work (p = 0.02) and better in-volvement of the patient in the treatment decision (p = 0.014).ConclusionsThe satisfaction with the attending physician, the participation in the treatment decision, and the impact of RA seem to influence treatment satisfaction the most. These data suggest that a better understanding of patients’ medical needs and preferences would improve satisfaction outcomes.