title: Evolution of Patient Decision-Making Regarding Medical Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The migration of health care toward a consumer-driven system favors increased patient participation during the treatment decision-making process. Patient involvement in treatment decision discussions has been linked to increased treatment adherence and patient satisfaction. Previous studies have quantified decision-making styles of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, none of them have considered the evolution of patient involvement after living with RA for many years. We conducted a qualitative study to determine the decision-making model used by long-term RA patients, and to describe the changes in their involvement over time.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty participants were recruited from the ongoing Silicone Arthroplasty in Rheumatoid Arthritis study. Semistructured interviews were conducted and data were analyzed using grounded theory methodology.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Nineteen out of 20 participants recalled using the paternalistic decision-making (PDM) model immediately following their diagnosis. Fourteen of the 19 participants who initially used PDM evolved to shared decision-making (SDM). Participants attributed the change in involvement to the development of a trusting relationship with their physician, as well as to becoming educated about the disease.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  When initially diagnosed with RA, patients may let their physician decide on the best treatment course. However, over time patients may evolve to exercise a more collaborative role. Physicians should understand that even within SDM, each patient can demonstrate a varied amount of autonomy. It is up to the physician to have a discussion with each patient to determine his or her desired level of involvement.
authors: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
authors: Alexandra L
authors: AL
authors: Mathews
authors: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
authors: Adriana
authors: A
authors: Coleska
authors: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
authors: Patricia B
authors: PB
authors: Burns
authors: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
authors: Kevin C
authors: KC
authors: Chung
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D001178:Arthroplasty / Q000379:methods*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003142:Communication; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010358:Patient Participation; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D018501:Antirheumatic Agents