THU0580 What are the patients' issues and needs related to their biologics (BDMARDS) and methotrexate (MTX) treatment in daily life: a quantitative cross-sectional survey among 344 patients to develop an educational smartphone app
Authors: C Beauvais, S Tropé, A Lafourcade, D Carnet, L Grange, L Carton, D Lafarge, G Montagu, T Pham, F Tubach, J Sellam
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2017)

<h3>Background</h3> MTX and bDMARDs are the core treatments of chronic inflammatory arthritis (IA). We lack information on the patients9 problems and needs in daily life, particularly on safety issues. <h3>Objectives</h3> 1-collect the most frequent issues 2-explore the patients9 perceptions on a dedicated smartphone application (SP App) 3) determine the profile of the patients interested. <h3>Methods</h3> The survey was conducted on line. The questionnaire was designed by rheumatologists, methodologists, anthropologists, members of patients association (AP) and included 1-a non-exhaustive list of potential issues in daily life (fever, vaccines, ...) and practical aspects 2-a list of potential use of the App 3- free opinions 4- Two self-administrated questionnaire to test patients9 knowledge on bDMARDs [1] and MTX [2]. <h3>Results</h3> The survey was carried out from June to August 2016 on the websites of the PA. Non-associative patients were recruited by 3 rheumatologists who provided the Internet link. 344 patients responded, 331 analyzed, 83% female, 50% had rheumatoid arthritis, 40% had spondyloarthritis, mean age 53 years, 60% were AP; 67% were treated with MTX, 70% had bDMARDs, 34% had MTX- bDMARDs combotherapy. 66% of patients reported problems; 67% had needed help or advice. The main issues were infections (27%), vaccines (13%), surgery (10%), dental care (7%), self-administration (6%), conservation/travelling (9%) and skipped doses (5%). Among the 76% patients who have a SP, 80% use Apps and 32% Apps for their health. Among users, 87% patients would find an App useful to manage their treatment (36% rather agree and 51% strongly agree), 82% for symptoms requiring to stop their treatment, 93% for situations related to safety, 80% as a reminder of their treatment, 80% to know what to do in case of a skipped dose, 77% to have a safety checklist before treatment administration, 66% to recall the modalities of self-injections. Patients interested in the App are younger (p&lt;0.05) non-associative (p&lt;0.05) and live in medium-sized cities (p&lt;0.01). No correlation was found with other sociodemographic characteristics, level of education, type/duration of arthritis or knowledge. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Two-third of patients with arthritis face issues related to their treatment especially in case of infections, vaccination, surgery and travelling. A dedicated App is considered useful by 87% patients who already have a SP. The potential use of the App may improve safety, adherence and self-management in daily life. <h3>References</h3> Gossec L et coll. Joint Bone Spine. 2013; Fayet F et coll J Clin Nurs. 2016. <h3>Acknowledgements</h3> Grant: French Society of Rheumatology with the institutional funding by Biogen, Nordic Pharma, Roche. <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> None declared