Time intervals to various stages from symptom onset to DMARD initiation (months).
| Variable | Mean | Median | Maximum Value | Minimum Value | SD | IQR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Symptoms to DMARD | 13.33 | 6.35 | 120 | 0 | 19.19 | 8.72 |
| Symptoms to first MD visit | 1.93 | 0.00 | 63 | –9 | 8.13 | 2.01 |
| First MD visit to rheumatology referral | 6.56 | 2.01 | 119 | 0 | 13.36 | 7.01 |
| Rheumatology referral to rheumatology appointment | 1.64 | 1.02 | 14 | 0 | 2.10 | 1.84 |
| Rheumatology appointment to RA diagnosis | 1.38 | 0.00 | 30 | 0 | 4.31 | 0.99 |
| RA diagnosis to DMARD | 0.73 | 0.00 | 31 | –5* | 2.91 | 0.99 |
| Symptoms to DMARD (data from patient interview) | 15.00 | 7.01 | 281 | 0 | 26.81 | 11.09 |
| Symptoms to first MD visit (data from patient interview) | 3.39 | 0.00 | 277 | –1 | 20.95 | 1.97 |
↵* Two patients were started on DMARD by general practitioner, before diagnosis of RA by a rheumatologist. IQR: interquartile range; DMARD: disease-modifying antirheumatic drug; RA: rheumatoid arthritis.