Impact of caring for someone with a rare rheumatic condition, views from patients and informal carers – the need for cat-like vigilance

Mooney, Janice, Graham, Karen and Watts, Richard (2019) Impact of caring for someone with a rare rheumatic condition, views from patients and informal carers – the need for cat-like vigilance. Rheumatology Advances in Practice, 3 (1). ISSN 2514-1775

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Abstract

Objective: ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a rare multisystem disease. Modern therapeutic protocols have turned AAV from an acute frequently fatal disease into a chronic disease requiring long-term immunosuppression. Patients must often manage substantial burdens related to chronic illness and treatment-related side effects, requiring help from informal carers. This study aimed to explore the experience of patients and of informal carers of patients with AAV about the impact of managing a rare rheumatic condition. Methods: A qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews was used. Interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of 18 pairs of patients with AAV and their informal carers. The interviews were used to explore the participants’ experience and effects of caring. The interviews were recorded and transcribed as verbatim text and analysed using the framework technique. Results: 18 patients (seven female) [disease: ten granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA); four microscopic polyangiitis (MPA); four eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), age range 34-78, disease duration 1- 20 years. Caregiver and patient perspectives were shared. The emerging themes were the physical and psychological impact of the disease, the need for constant vigilance and fear of the future. Conclusion: Both patients and carers faced a range of challenges in managing a rare condition, from the seriousness of the illness, dealing with the emotional toll and knowing what to expect. This study offers insight into the experiences of patients and informal carers, and health care professionals should address individuals’ fears and expectations for recovery.

Item Type:	Article
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > School of Health Sciences
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Public Health and Health Services Research (former - to 2023) Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Musculoskeletal Medicine Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Epidemiology and Public Health
Depositing User:	LivePure Connector
Date Deposited:	13 Feb 2019 12:30
Last Modified:	28 Jan 2024 03:00
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/69921
DOI:	10.1093/rap/rkz003

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