Pfizer announces initial results of its rheumatoid arthritis NarRAtive patient survey

Pfizer has announced initial results of its global survey of more than 3,600 adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in 13 countries.

The RA NarRAtive patient survey is the first of its kind to simultaneously evaluate the patient and healthcare professional (HCP) relationship and communication, as well as the patient’s experience and satisfaction with treatment and disease management. The NarRAtive data show that a patient’s perception of their RA and its treatment, as well as their relationship with their HCP, can impact the management of their disease.

NarRAtive survey results indicate setting treatment goals with healthcare professionals can help patients live successfully with RA

“More than 23 million people worldwide have RA, many of whom are struggling to manage living with this debilitating illness. The RA NarRAtive survey results indicate that some of the keys to living successfully are having open dialogue and setting treatment goals with healthcare professionals, as well as connecting with patient support groups,” says Freda Lewis-Hall, MD, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Pfizer. “The RA NarRAtive is an important initiative for Pfizer as we continuously work to better understand what helps people with RA live better.”

NarRAtive survey highlights include:

• The survey shows that patients who feel comfortable raising concerns and fears with their doctor or health care professional (HCP) are more likely to describe their current overall health as excellent or good (43% vs 29%) than patients who are uncomfortable.
• In the survey, nearly 4 in 5 patients who are taking prescription medicines for their RA are satisfied with their regimen (78%) but only 30% of those same patients self-described their RA as “under control.” This disconnect between professed satisfaction and perceived control is even more pronounced in patients whose HCP has described their patients’ RA as moderate-to-severe or severe.
• Although the majority of patients who currently see an HCP to manage their RA (83%) state they are satisfied with the communication they have with their HCP about their RA treatment, the majority of patients (85%) also note that there are some things that would help them more successfully manage their RA when it comes to their relationship with their HCP.
• 47% of all patients with RA surveyed have stopped doing or participating in certain activities. Moreover, when asked about RA medication(s), 42% of all respondents agree that treating their RA is as difficult as living with the disease.

Physicians are encouraged not to take a ‘satisfied’ response from patients with RA at face value

“The survey indicates optimal RA management may not be occurring when patients do not feel encouraged to express goals, ask questions and accurately convey their satisfaction or lack thereof,” explains RA NarRAtive Advisory Panel Co-Chair Dr. Alan Gibofsky, Rheumatologist, Hospital for Special Surgery. “The RA NarRAtive Global Advisory Panel encourages physicians not to take a ‘satisfied’ response at face value and ask more follow-up questions when assessing the disease activity status of their patients with RA.”

“The data from the RA NarRAtive showcase how shared decision-making practices can help improve patient outcomes,” comments Clare Jacklin, Director of External Affairs, National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS). “We need to elevate the voice of the patient in conversations around setting RA disease management and treatment goals.”