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Drug-related problems experienced by patients with rheumatic diseases: A longitudinal observational study

  • At: PPR 2022 (2022)
  • Type: Poster
  • Poster code: PM-17
  • By: HAEGENS, Lex (Sint Maartenskliniek)
  • Co-author(s): Lex Haegens, Phd Student, Sint Maartenskliniek, Netherlands
    Victor Huiskes, Radboud University Medical Center, Netherlands
    Elisabeth Marissa Smale
    Charlotte Bekker
    Bart van den Bemt


  • Abstract:

    Background: Patients with rheumatic diseases can experience multiple drug-related problems (DRPs) during their treatment process. These DRPs can lead to negative health consequences and preventable hospital admissions. Insight into patients’ experience of DRPs over time might aid in timely identifying and preventing DRPs.

    Purpose: To identify drug-related problems reported by patients with rheumatic diseases along the treatment process.

    Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in a Dutch outpatient pharmacy. Adult patients with rheumatic diseases that were prescribed medication by a rheumatologist were questioned about experienced DRPs by telephone four times in eight weeks using a structured interview-guide. Unique DRPs (i.e. DRPs not reported in earlier interviews by individuals) were categorized using a classification for patient-reported DRPs and analysed descriptively.

    Results: In total, 52 participants (median age 68 years (interquartile range (IQR) 62-74), 52% male) completed 192 interviews with 45 (87%) participants completing all 4 interviews. The majority of patients (65%) were diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Patients reported a median number of 3 (IQR 2-5) unique DRPs during interview 1. In subsequent interviews, patients reported median numbers of 1 (IQR 0-2), 1 (IQR 0-2) and 0 (IQR 0-1) unique DRPs for interview 2 to 4 respectively. Participants reported a median number of 5 (IQR 3-9) unique DRPs over all completed interviews. Unique patient-reported DRPs were most frequently categorized into (suspected) side effects (28%), medication management (e.g. medication administering or adherence) (26%), medication concerns (e.g. concerns regarding long-term side-effects or effectiveness) (19%) and medication effectiveness (17%).

    Conclusion: Patients with rheumatic diseases experience various drug-related problems over time. These patients might benefit from more continuous support during their patient journey.

Last update 28 September 2023

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