E086 The experiences of patients receiving information on arthritis medication via a telephone consultation: a service evaluation

Abstract Background/Aims Since the Covid-19 pandemic, people with inflammatory arthritis requiring disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy have been offered the option of receiving a telephone consultation prior to commencing treatment. This evaluation with people with inflammatory arthritis aimed to investigate whether DMARD telephone counselling increased knowledge and confidence and reduced concerns about potential side effects. Methods Patients who had a telephone consultation to commence a new DMARD between January and July 2025 were contacted and surveyed by telephone. Data were collected on demographics, knowledge and concerns about taking a DMARD, confidence in taking the DMARD, the importance of the medication, and the content of the consultation. The service evaluation was registered with the trust. Results A total of 63 participants completed the evaluation. The majority had rheumatoid arthritis (n = 45, 71%), were aged between 41-60 years (n = 30, 48%), with a disease duration of 1-5 years (n = 39, 62%). The number of participants who felt they had ‘a lot of knowledge’ regarding the DMARD they were commencing increased from 9% (n = 6) pre-consultation, to 57% (n = 36) post-consultation. Concerns (‘feeling worried to very worried’) about the side effects of the medication reduced from 48% (n = 30) pre-consultation to 19% (n = 12) post-consultation. 57 participants felt it was very important to take the medication, and the vast majority (n = 57, 90%) were confident that they would take the medication following the telephone consultation. Regarding the content of the telephone consultation, all participants felt that the benefits of taking the medication and how to take medication safely were explained ‘well to very well’. 57 participants felt they were able to talk about their concerns. Six participants would have liked more explanation regarding having regular blood tests, and 3 participants would have liked more information on what side effects to report. Most participants (n = 48, 76%) found the Versus Arthritis (now Arthritis UK) DMARD information leaflets ‘helpful-very helpful’. In the free text section of the questionnaire, which asked for thoughts about the consultation, three main categories were identified: ‘made to feel at ease, ‘informative’, and ‘unrushed’. Conclusion Participants felt the medication was important and were confident in taking the medication following the telephone consultation. During the consultation, it is important to clarify whether individual concerns have been addressed and if further information and support is required. Although knowledge increased and concerns about side effects reduced, some patients were still worried about taking the medication and would have liked more information. One way of providing this may be via a video and infographic, with the option for clinician support if needed. Disclosure S. Ryan: None. S. Hider: None. J. Brammar: None. Z. Paskins: None. S. Logan: None.