Patients' Experiences of Nurse-Led Screening for Cardiovascular Risk in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Background Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have increased morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Screening for cardiovascular risk is recommended by the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR). There is a lack of evidence of the experiences of RA patients who are screened for CVD. Such information is important in order to organize and further develop screening programmes for CVD in patients with RA. The aim of the present study was to explore RA patients' experiences of participation in nurse‐led screening for CVD and to identify key issues for the future organization of screening programmes. Methods Three qualitative focus group interviews were carried out with 14 outpatients diagnosed with RA. The participants were stratified into groups, depending on whether they had a low‐to‐moderate or high ten‐year risk of cardiovascular death according to the European Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) system. Data were analysed using meaning condensation to identify key themes. Results Five themes were identified: reactions to receiving the invitation to the screening consultation; screening consultation adapted to needs and RA; duration reflected needs; screening consultation brought a sense of relief; and motivation and sense of control. Regardless of their CV risk, the participants found it important that the screening consultation was adapted to their needs and their illness as RA had a major impact on their daily life. Conclusions When planning future screening programmes for CVD for patients with RA, it is important that the screening consultation is individualized and tailored to patients' needs and their RA. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.