Patient Perceptions of Rheumatoid Arthritis Blood Work: A Cross‐Sectional Survey in the ArthritisPower Registry

Abstract

ObjectiveTo examine how patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) perceive RA‐related laboratory testing and the potential utility of a blood test to predict treatment response to a new RA medication.MethodsArthritisPower members with RA were invited to participate in a cross‐sectional survey on reasons for laboratory testing plus a choice‐based conjoint analysis exercise to determine how patients value different attributes of a biomarker‐based test to predict treatment response.ResultsMost patients perceived that their doctors ordered laboratory tests to check for active inflammation (85.9%) or assess medication side effects (81.2%). The most commonly ordered blood tests used to monitor RA were complete blood counts, liver function tests, and those measuring C‐reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Patients felt CRP was most helpful in understanding their disease activity. Most worried their current RA medication would eventually stop working (91.4%) and they would waste time trying a new RA medication that may not work for them (81.7%). For patients who would require a future change in RA treatment, a majority (89.2%) reported that they would be very/extremely interested in a blood test that could help predict whether such new medication would be effective. Highly accurate test results (improving the chance RA medication will work from 50% to 85–95%) were more important to patients than low out‐of‐pocket cost (<$20) or minimal wait time (<7 days).ConclusionsPatients consider RA‐related blood work important for monitoring of inflammation and medication side effects. They worry about treatment effectiveness and would undergo testing to accurately predict treatment response.