Healthcare professionals’ perceptions of working on lifestyle management for patients with early rheumatoid arthritis — a qualitative study

A healthy lifestyle should be recommended to all patients with inflammatory arthritis due to the increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. Healthcare professionals (HPs) are essential in supporting patients to achieve healthy lifestyle habits and are expected to follow international and national lifestyle management guidelines. Despite this, few studies have studied HPs’ perceptions of working on lifestyle management. AIM: To explore HPs’ perceptions of working on lifestyle management for patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: In this qualitative study, individual interviews were conducted with 20 HPs. Qualitative content analysis was used, and three categories and six subcategories were identified. RESULTS: HPs’ perceptions of working on lifestyle management for patients with early RA revealed a need for commitment from different levels. This included commitment from healthcare managers and organizations prioritizing work on lifestyle management and providing competence development for HPs. Commitment within the team regarding coordination of interdisciplinary teamwork and development of a structured lifestyle management approach, and commitment to involving patients in lifestyle management, by facilitating patient engagement and a person-centred approach. CONCLUSIONS: HPs’ perceptions of working on lifestyle management for patients with early RA revealed that commitment from healthcare managers, organizations, and the interdisciplinary team was essential to facilitate collaboration, patient involvement, and a person-centred approach.