Creating Meaningful Dialogue with the Rheumatoid Arthritis Community

October 11, 2018

On October 12^th, the rheumatology community will come together in recognition of World Arthritis Day. The annual global initiative sponsored by European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) is working to raise awareness of issues affecting people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs), including rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Designed to raise and promote awareness of the symptoms connected to RMDs and the importance of gaining early diagnosis and access to care, World Arthritis Day aims to unite the voices of patient organizations, scientific societies, and health professional associations through the theme of “Don’t Delay, Connect Today”.

At Pfizer, we are also working to connect patients, caregivers and the healthcare community through support programs and initiatives that address the many facets of these complex rheumatic diseases. Through the RA NarRAtive initiative, supported by Pfizer, we are working to elevate the important role of the patient in the management of RA.

The international initiative is directed by a global Advisory Panel comprised of 39 healthcare providers and patient support group leaders from 17 countries. The purpose of the RA NarRAtive is to create positive change within the RA community by harnessing the experience of people living with RA, physicians and patient advocates, to break down communication barriers and change expectations to improve RA disease management.

The RA NarRAtive gathered insights from physicians and patient perspectives in the management of RA through two global surveys fielded to almost 4,000 adults with RA and nearly 1,700 physicians. In reviewing and discussing the findings of both surveys, the Advisory Panel suggests that people with RA and healthcare providers can establish a new narrative, a new conversation around RA by recognizing the unique important perspective of each.

Together with Pfizer, the RA NarRAtive Global Advisory Panel recently took action by creating resources for the RA community, including the

The Changing the RA NarRAtive Statement of Need is a resource for healthcare providers who treat RA to help empower their patients to speak up and get the most out of appointments. The document encourages HCPs to help their patients not settle for “good enough,” craft goals, and set expectations, schedule conversations not appointments, and encourage creation of a strong support network.

The Power Your Inner RA Voice is a conversation guide intended to help people living with RA prepare for appointments with their healthcare provider. The conversation guide encourages patients to fill out their wins, problems, goals, and questions ahead of their appointment to make the most of their time together.

Through initiatives such as the RA NarRAtive, Pfizer is working to encourage people impacted by RA to #ConnectToday and establish a new narrative around living with RA. Click here to learn more about the RA NarRAtive and access its resources.