RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Patient Expectations and Perceptions of Goal-setting Strategies for Disease Management in Rheumatoid Arthritis JF The Journal of Rheumatology JO J Rheumatol FD The Journal of Rheumatology SP 2046 OP 2054 DO 10.3899/jrheum.140976 VO 42 IS 11 A1 Vibeke Strand A1 Grace C. Wright A1 Martin J. Bergman A1 Jeyanesh Tambiah A1 Peter C. Taylor YR 2015 UL http://www.jrheum.org/content/42/11/2046.abstract AB Objective. To identify how patients perceive the broad effect of active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on their daily lives and indicate how RA disease management could benefit from the inclusion of individual goal-setting strategies.Methods. Two multinational surveys were completed by patients with RA. The “Good Days Fast” survey was conducted to explore the effect of disease on the daily lives and relationships of women with RA. The “Getting to Your Destination Faster” survey examined RA patients’ treatment expectations and goal-setting practices.Results. Respondents from all countries agreed that RA had a substantial negative effect on many aspects of their lives (work productivity, daily routines, participation in social and leisure activities) and emotional well-being (loss of self-confidence, feelings of detachment, isolation). Daily pain was a paramount issue, and being pain- and fatigue-free was considered the main indicator of a “good day.” Setting personal, social, and treatment goals, as well as monitoring disease progress to achieve these, was considered very beneficial by patients with RA, but discussion of treatment goals seldom appeared to be a part of medical appointments.Conclusion. Many patients with RA feel unable to communicate their disease burden and treatment goals, which are critically important to them, to their healthcare provider (HCP). Insights gained from these 2 surveys should help to guide patients and HCP to better focus upon mutually defined goals for continued improvement of management and achievement of optimal care in RA.