Redefined by illness: meta-ethnography of qualitative studies on the experience of rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

We recommend that future synthesizers and primary qualitative health researchers focus more on non-hospital based populations and non-English language articles or study participants. The implications for rehabilitation follow from reflecting the findings of the synthesis against existing psychological models of coping and adaptation in RA. Implications for Rehabilitation Coping and adaptation are biographical processes, although the relative importance of active "disease mastery" versus more passive "getting used to it" is unclear. The uncertainty and fluctuating nature of symptoms and disease course presents existential challenges for people with RA in relation to maintaining physical functioning and social roles. Within a social model of disability, these findings point to potential intervention sites in society and relationships that would benefit people living with RA.

Living with persistent rheumatoid arthritis: a BARFOT study

“…These findings concur with results of other studies showing that persons with RA were concerned about the management of their RA and much attention was paid to find and to describe the strategies employed to cope with the disease and its consequences (Shaul , Daker‐White et al . ). An important task for healthcare professionals is to listen to the person's narratives and experiences in order to identify strengths and help them facilitate available resources, to support and strengthen the struggle to achieve a more comfortable existence.…”

“…RA is characterised by a fluctuating course, with unpredictable periods of relapses (Daker‐White et al . ). The symptoms affect physical capacity and well‐being (Ahlmén et al .…”

A meta-ethnography to understand the experience of living with urinary incontinence: ‘is it just part and parcel of life?’

“…This phase incorporates the rationale and aims of the study. Meta-ethnography, first developed by Noblit and Hare [6] has provided insight into a range of healthcare experiences including chronic musculoskeletal pain [10], rheumatoid arthritis [11], fibromyalgia [12], osteoporosis [13] and chronic pelvic pain [14]. There are various methods for QES [15][16][17][18][19].…”

A longitudinal, qualitative study exploring sustained adherence to a hand exercise programme for rheumatoid arthritis evaluated in the SARAH trial

“…One reason for this may be that the exercises had to be implemented against a backdrop of unpredictability. The struggles faced by patients with RA to manage the unpredictability of symptoms and to deal with flare ups is well documented (29).…”