Definitions of rheumatoid arthritis flare and how they relate to patients’ perspectives: A scoping review of qualitative and quantitative evidence
Authors' conclusion
We found a striking heterogeneity regarding the conceptualization and measurement of RA flare in the published literature. Although qualitative evidence highlighted the considerable impact of flares on patients' wellbeing, the majority of reported flare definitions were not based on patient report.
Study context
- Population
- Quantitative and qualitative studies reporting "flare" or related terms in the context of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- Participants
- 304 studies
- Outcome
- RA flare definitions in the literature
Methodological detailssystematic search, descriptive summary of quantitative studies, thematic synthesis of qualitative studies, 32,864 potentially eligible records screened, Databases: Pubmed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CINAHL; searched August 30th, 2022, updated September 30th, 2023
- Systematic search
- Descriptive summary of quantitative studies
- Thematic synthesis of qualitative studies
- 32,864 potentially eligible records screened
- Databases: Pubmed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CINAHL; searched August 30th, 2022, updated September 30th, 2023
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- Different definitions for RA flare reported
- 62
- Definitions based on disease activity indices (most common)
- 54 %
- DAS28-based among disease activity index definitions (most widely applied)
- 84 %
- Definitions based on physician report
- 24 %
- Patient-reported criteria
- 15 %
Further findings
Thematic synthesis of qualitative/mixed-methods studies
- Five sequential overarching themes: "Living with RA: a balancing act", "Flare: a disturbance of this balance", "The biopsychosocial impact of flares", "Self-management: the first line of defense", "Medical help: the last resort"
- 5
- Central theme of "Uncertainty and variability"
Original publication
Definitions of rheumatoid arthritis flare and how they relate to patients’ perspectives: A scoping review of qualitative and quantitative evidence. Semin Arthritis Rheum. Published 25 May 2024. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →