A multi-national qualitative research study exploring the patient experience of Raynaud's phenomenon in systemic sclerosis

OBJECTIVES: Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is the commonest manifestation of systemic sclerosis (SSc). RP is an episodic phenomenon, not easily assessed in the clinic, leading to reliance on self-report. A thorough understanding of the patient experience of SSc-RP is essential to ensuring patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments capture domains important to the target patient population. We report the findings of an international qualitative research study investigating the patient experience of SSc-RP.

METHODS: Focus groups (FGs) of SSc patients were conducted across 3 scleroderma centers in the US and UK, using a topic guide and a priori purposive sampling framework devised by qualitative researchers, SSc patients and SSc experts. FGs were audio recorded, transcribed, anonymised and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. FGs were conducted until thematic saturation was achieved.

RESULTS: Forty SSc patients participated in 6 focus groups conducted in Bath (UK), New Orleans (US) and Pittsburgh (US). Seven major themes were identified that encapsulate the patient experience of SSc-RP: physical symptoms, emotional impact, triggers & exacerbating factors, constant vigilance & self-management, impact on daily life, uncertainty and adaptation. The inter-relationship of the 7 constituent themes can be arranged within a conceptual map of SSc-RP.

CONCLUSION: We have explored the patient experience of SSc-RP in a diverse and representative SSc cohort and identified a complex interplay of experiences that result in significant impact. Work to develop a novel PRO instrument for assessing the severity and impact of SSc-RP, comprising domains/items grounded in the patient experiences of SSc-RP identified in this study is underway. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.