A Return to Normality: A Descriptive Qualitative Interview Study Exploring the Patient Experience of Gout Flare Resolution
Date
Authors
Stewart, Sarah
Horne, Anne
Gaffo, Angelo
Stamp, Lisa K
Edwards, N Lawrence
Dalbeth, Nicola
Supervisor
Item type
Journal Article
Degree name
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Wiley
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: While the definition of a gout flare is well established, the state of gout flare resolution has not yet been defined. This study aimed to explore patients' experiences and perceptions of gout flare resolution. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 people with gout, guided by open-ended questions exploring their experiences of gout flare resolution. To facilitate discussion, participants were shown graphs depicting changes in pain intensity during a hypothetical flare. Prompts relating to key flare features, including pain, swelling, warmth, and medication use, were used as appropriate. Data were analysed using a descriptive approach to thematic analysis to prioritise participants' voices and experiences. RESULTS: Four themes, closely tied to an overarching concept of a return to normality, were generated: (1) return to personal baseline pain - where most participants required a pain score of 0/10, while the remaining considered resolution to occur at low-to-moderate pain levels; (2) return of function; (3) restoration of emotional wellbeing; and (4) disappearance of joint swelling, warmth and redness. CONCLUSIONS: Flare resolution is experienced as a return to normality, encompassing relief from pain, return of mobility, restored wellbeing and the disappearance of other inflammatory features, such as swelling, warmth and redness. Incorporating these insights into the development of a patient-centred definition for flare resolution may support more meaningful, patient-centred approaches to measuring and managing gout flares.Description
Keywords
4201 Allied Health and Rehabilitation Science, 32 Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 3202 Clinical Sciences, 42 Health Sciences, Chronic Pain, Arthritis, Pain Research, Clinical Research, 7.1 Individual care needs, Inflammatory and immune system, 3 Good Health and Well Being, 1103 Clinical Sciences, 1117 Public Health and Health Services, 1701 Psychology
Source
Arthritis Care and Research, ISSN: 2151-464X (Print); 2151-4658 (Online), Wiley. doi: 10.1002/acr.80089
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This is the Author Accepted Manuscript of an article published in Arthritis Care & Research © American College of Rheumatology. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited and is not used for commercial purposes.