Exploring the patient experience in polymyalgia rheumatica

Despite being the most common inflammatory rheumatic disease in the elderly (Partington et al., Ann Rheum Dis 77(12):1750-175, 2018), few studies to date have examined the patient experience of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). Our study explored patient perspectives in PMR by means of a survey and semi-structured group interviews. The results from this study highlight key aspects of the patient experience in PMR, including delays to diagnosis, complex attitudes toward glucocorticoid therapy, and a desire for alternate treatment strategies. Future trials should look to include physical function as a measured outcome. Finally, our results call attention to the chronicity of PMR symptoms, challenging the paradigm of PMR as a self-limiting condition.

Automated summary

Despite being the most common inflammatory rheumatic disease in the elderly, there have been few studies on patient perspectives in polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). This study used surveys and interviews to explore the patient experience in PMR. The results revealed delays in diagnosis, complex attitudes towards glucocorticoid therapy, and a desire for alternative treatment strategies. Future research should consider including physical function as an outcome measure and challenge the perception of PMR as a self-limiting condition.