Objective: The goal of this study was to provide a greater understanding of physical activity in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis. The aim was twofold: first to explore if physical activity was associated with factors in the clinical picture of rheumatoid arthritis in this patient group, and second, to explore factors influencing physical activity in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: A total of 66 patients with early rheumatoid arthritis were included in the study. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was used, where quantitative data from a questionnaire were analysed with Mann–Whitney, post hoc Kruskal–Wallis and χ2 test in order to detect differences between groups, and find possible associations between physical activity and independent variables, such as disease activity, health-related quality of life and physical function. Qualitative data were collected in a follow-up questionnaire with open-ended questions that focused on factors influencing physical activity. Results: Associations between physical activity, disease activity and health-related quality of life were seen in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis together with strong negative correlations between physical activity and physical function. Patients on sick leave showed the strongest associations between disease-related variables and lower levels of physical activity. The findings from the qualitative analysis showed that physical limitations, awareness as a motivational factor and external environment factors influenced physical activity in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis. Conclusion: The results showed a complex underlying motive where physical, psychological and environmental factors influenced the physical activity in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis. In order to provide more effective health interventions, it is important to consider the complex nature of practicing physical activity, where a person-centred approach should be considered. Factors such as physical limitations, economic aspects and time for practicing physical activity should be included in the person-centred approach.

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of web-based education in the field of drug utilization on elderly individuals’ knowledge of, concerns about and self-assessed understanding of drug utilization. The 260 included participants were randomized to a control group or an intervention group. To assess drug utilization literacy, we used a questionnaire containing 20 multiple-choice questions on drug utilization and ten statements about drug utilization (to which participants graded their response using a Likert scale: two about common concerns and eight about their self-assessed understanding of drug utilization). The Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire-General was also used. The intervention group scored higher on the knowledge questions ( p < 0.001) and on six of the eight statements about self-assessed understanding of drug utilization at the first check after 2 weeks ( p < 0.05). At a second check 6 months later, the difference remained for the knowledge questions, but there was no difference in self-assessed understanding of drug utilization between the groups. There were no differences in the concerns about drug utilization or beliefs about medication at any time. We conclude that a web-based education can improve drug utilization literacy in elderly individuals and might contribute to the safer use of medications.

Background The use of digital communication in Swedish health care has increased in an effort to make health care more accessible. At the organizational level, trust in digitalization has stabilized, but a certain degree of skepticism regarding technology appears to exist among health care employees. Objective This study aimed to explore health care professionals’ (HCPs) experiences of digital communication with patients and colleagues in a habilitation context. Methods Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze data derived from individual interviews. Results The results revealed that there were mixed feelings regarding the digital format used at the habilitation center. Although some skepticism remained regarding the digital format, there seemed to be a parallel understanding of the motives and benefits of digitalization. Hence, positive aspects, such as increased health care accessibility, were identified. However, emphasis was placed on the considerations required to make digital consultations appropriate for each patient. Conclusions Managing a workday influenced by the balance between digital and physical demands forces HCPs to adjust to the digital format and new ways of working. This requires HCPs to consider whether digital means are appropriate for communication in individual patient-specific cases.

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BACKGROUND In Swedish healthcare, the use of telerehabilitation has increased in an effort to make healthcare more accessible. At organizational levels, trust in digitalization has stabilized, but a certain degree of skepticism appears to exist among healthcare employees. OBJECTIVE In the present study, we explore healthcare professionals’ experiences of tele(re)habilitation through qualitative interviews carried out with employees at a habilitation center who have worked with patients and colleagues through digital mediums. METHODS Qualitative interviews were conducted followed by qualitative content analysis. RESULTS The analysis revealed that there are mixed feelings regarding the digital format used at the habilitation center; namely concerns that the digital format is not suitable for every individual, or every case. Even though some skepticism remained regarding the digital format, there seemed to be a parallel understanding of the motives and benefits of digitalization. Positive aspects of the format were identified, e.g., increased healthcare accessibility and workday flexibility, but emphasis was placed on considering the appropriateness of digital encounters for each individual patient. CONCLUSIONS Managing a workday influenced by the balance between digital and physical demands forces HCP to adjust to the digital format as part of an increasingly digitally-managed workday. Being aware of digitalization as a workplace development process, and constantly having to adapt to the changing demands (considering that digital formats are not for every time) is complex yet required. Driven by professional values such as, for example, putting patient care first, negotiating the pros and cons of healthcare digitalization is a constantly-evolving and challenging process.