Patients with rheumatic diseases may often go through a process of “trial and error,” trying to find a care plan that works for them. The first step in finding a care plan that works for you is open and honest communication with your rheumatologist.
Patients with rheumatic diseases may often go through a process of “trial and error,” trying to find a care plan that works for them. The first step in finding a care plan that works for you is open and honest communication with your rheumatologist.
A survey of over 400 patients in the U.S. between 18 and 65 years old with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and axial spondylarthritis (axSpA) uncovered insights about conversation gaps with their rheumatologist and their care experience.
The U.S.-based survey was conducted between October 23, 2023 – January 2, 2024, and responses were obtained from 464 patients who self-reported having been diagnosed with moderate to severe RA, PsA, or axSpA.
A survey of over 400 patients in the U.S. between 18 and 65 years old with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and axial spondylarthritis (axSpA) uncovered insights about conversation gaps with their rheumatologist and their care experience.
The U.S.-based survey was conducted between October 23, 2023 – January 2, 2024, and responses were obtained from 464 patients who self-reported having been diagnosed with moderate to severe RA, PsA, or axSpA.
47% of patients said they describe their pain differently to family and friends than they do to their rheumatologist. 34% of patients said they struggle to describe the challenges they have with their treatment to their rheumatologist.
The U.S.-based survey was conducted between October 23, 2023 – January 2, 2024, and responses were obtained from 464 patients who self-reported having been diagnosed with moderate to severe RA, PsA, or axSpA.
47% of patients said they describe their pain differently to family and friends than they do to their rheumatologist. 34% of patients said they struggle to describe the challenges they have with their treatment to their rheumatologist.
The U.S.-based survey was conducted between October 23, 2023 – January 2, 2024, and responses were obtained from 464 patients who self-reported having been diagnosed with moderate to severe RA, PsA, or axSpA.
Rheum for Dialogue is an initiative developed to help empower patients to actively manage their rheumatology care. In our video series, Dr. Leonard Calabrese, a board-certified rheumatologist with Cleveland Clinic, and Cheryl Crow, a patient living with rheumatoid arthritis, share their personal stories and insights that can help you have conversations with your rheumatologist about finding an appropriate care plan that meets your goals.
Watch the videos below to learn more.
Rheum for Dialogue is an initiative developed to help empower patients to actively manage their rheumatology care. In our video series, Dr. Leonard Calabrese, a board-certified rheumatologist with Cleveland Clinic, and Cheryl Crow, a patient living with rheumatoid arthritis, share their personal stories and insights that can help you have conversations with your rheumatologist about finding an appropriate care plan that meets your goals.
Watch the videos below to learn more.
AbbVie Introduces
Rheum for Dialogue
Rheum for Dialogue is an initiative committed to bridging the conversation gaps that exist between patients living with a rheumatic disease and their doctors, so care decisions become joint decisions.
By elevating patient experiences and providing personalized resources, Rheum for Dialogue aims to empower patients to actively own their care and hold meaningful, transparent conversations with their doctors.
Ready to join the conversation?
Evaluating Your Care Plan
In the first segment of this three-part video series, Dr. Leonard Calabrese, a rheumatologist and head of clinical immunology at Cleveland Clinic, and Cheryl Crow, a patient advocate with rheumatoid arthritis, explore the journey patients may experience when they continue to have symptoms with their current rheumatic disease care plan.
This discussion emphasizes the importance of open and honest conversations with your rheumatologist when finding an appropriate care plan for you.
Hear more from the discussion with Cheryl and Dr. Calabrese.
The Impact of Trying Several Treatments
In the second segment of this three-part video series, Dr. Calabrese and Cheryl Crow delve into the emotions patients may face on the path to finding a treatment plan that works for them.
Their discussion highlights how acknowledging your feelings is an important step toward personalizing your care journey with your rheumatologist.
Hear how you can partner with your doctor to tailor care to meet your needs.
The Journey to Find What Works for You
In the last segment of this three-part video series, the conversation between Dr. Calabrese and Cheryl Crow focuses on how open communication with a rheumatologist can lead to shared treatment goals and a meaningful partnership.
It encourages patients to actively participate in their care and to be prepared for a productive conversation at their next appointment with their rheumatologist.
Learn how you can have more effective conversations with your doctor.
A Joint Discussion Between a Patient and a Rheumatologist
Cheryl, a patient advocate living with rheumatoid arthritis and founder of Arthritis Life, and Dr. Elizabeth Ortiz, a board-certified rheumatologist and founder of Connected Rheumatology, sat down for a dynamic discussion about creating a space for shared decision-making and tips to advocate for a care plan that works for you.
Arthritis Life is a platform that provides educational and empowering content for people living with inflammatory arthritis, inspiring patients to live their best life with their condition. Connected Rheumatology is a platform that provides patient-focused, up-to-date information about all things rheumatology to help patients make informed health decisions with their doctor.
Hear more from the discussion with Cheryl and Dr. Ortiz
A Resource Hub to Feel Empowered on Your Rheumatic Disease Journey
Patient Survey Insights
Did you know over half of RA, PsA and axSpA patients surveyed by AbbVie reported feeling at least one negative emotion after leaving appointments with their rheumatologist? More survey findings shed light on the importance of working together with your doctor to help overcome these challenges.
This online survey was sponsored by AbbVie and conducted by Oracle Life Sciences. It is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.
Tools and Resources
Explore condition-specific resources provided by AbbVie and designed to support your care journey and help you feel prepared for conversations with your doctor.
Patient Assessment Tool
Use this online tool, designed by doctors and patients, to help you identify how you are feeling and receive personalized tips for communicating with your doctor, so care decisions are tailored to your needs.
This tool is provided by The Global Healthy Living Foundation and sponsored by AbbVie.
Reference:
1. AbbVie. (2024). 2023 USPA Rheumatology Patient Insights Survey. Data on File.