Patients' perceptions of drug information given by a rheumatology nurse: a phenomenographic study.
BACKGROUND
Pain, stiffness and functional restriction of the joints are the main problems experienced by patients with inflammatory rheumatic conditions. The majority of patients with rheumatic diseases require several drugs every day. Adherence is highest among patients who have repeatedly been given drug information by a nurse from the start of the treatment. When developing patient information, it is essential to utilize patients' experiences.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to describe variations in how patients with rheumatic diseases perceive drug information given by a rheumatology nurse.


METHODS
The study had a descriptive qualitative design with a phenomenographic approach. Fifteen inpatients with rheumatic diseases who had received a new drug agreed to take part in the study and were interviewed.


RESULTS
Three descriptive categories emerged: autonomy, power and security. Autonomy was based on patients' experiences of taking responsibility and participating. Power meant gaining knowledge and being motivated to take the drug. Security involved trust, experiencing care and access to a rheumatology nurse.


CONCLUSIONS
For patients with a rheumatic disease, drug information from a rheumatology nurse gave them autonomy, power and security. These factors could explain why information from a nurse increases adherence to drug treatment.
Larsson
Ingrid
I
Research and Development Centre, Spenshult Hospital, Oskarström, Sweden. Ingrid.larsson@spenshult.se
Arvidsson
Susann
S
Bergman
Stefan
S
Arvidsson
Barbro
B
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009726:Nurses; D010465:Perception; D010820:Physicians; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000451:nursing* / Q000628:therapy*; D012219:Rheumatology; D035502:Trust