An exploration of patients' experiences of anti-TNF therapy

Abstract

Objective: To explore the experience of rheumatoid arthritis patients receiving anti-tumour necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy on physical, psychological and social well-being.

Method: Seven patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who received six months of infliximab were interviewed in depth by one researcher to identify their experiences of this treatment. The interviews were tape-recorded and analysed using Colaizzi's procedural steps.

Results: Four main categories were identified from the interview relating to the patient's experience of anti-TNF therapy. These included: The impact of living with RA on physical, psychological and social function. The influence of anti-TNF therapy on physical, psychological and social function. The experience of attending for treatment. The impact of discontinuing anti-TNF treatment.

Conclusion: All seven patients experienced benefits from receiving anti-TNF therapy. These benefits were not maintained once the treatment period was completed.