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. 2014 Sep;12(3):173-81.
doi: 10.1002/msc.1071. Epub 2014 Apr 22.

A survey of psychological support provision for people with inflammatory arthritis in secondary care in England

Emma Dures  1 , Celia Almeida, Judy Caesley, Alice Peterson, Nicholas Ambler, Marianne Morris, Jon Pollock, Sarah Hewlett
Affiliations
Free PMC article

A survey of psychological support provision for people with inflammatory arthritis in secondary care in England

Emma Dures et al. Musculoskeletal Care. 2014 Sep.
Free PMC article

Abstract

Objectives: The consequences of inflammatory arthritis can include depression, anxiety and low mood, reducing patients' quality of life and increasing pressure on the healthcare system. Treatment guidelines recommend psychological support, but data are lacking on the provision available.

Methods: A postal survey concerning psychological support provision was sent to rheumatology units in 143 acute trusts across England. Nurses from 73 rheumatology units (51%) responded.

Results: Overall, 73% rated their unit's psychological support provision as 'inadequate' and only 4% rated it as 'good'. Few units believed that psychological support did not fall within their remit (12%), yet only 8% had a psychologist in the team. Most units (68%) did not routinely screen patients to identify psychological difficulties. Referral to other service providers was reported in 42% of units, with 3% very satisfied with this provision. Within units, services containing elements of psychological support ranged from occupational therapy (81%) to psychology/counselling (14%). Psychological approaches used by team members ranged from shared decision making (77%) to cognitive-behavioural approaches (26%). The current barriers to providing psychological support were lack of clinical time and available training (86% and 74%, respectively), and delivery costs (74%). Future facilitators included management support (74%) and availability of skills training (74%).

Conclusions: Rheumatology units viewed psychological support provision as part of their remit but rated their overall provision as inadequate, despite some team members using psychological skills. To improve provision, clinicians' training needs must be addressed and organizational support generated, and further research needs to define adequate psychological support provision from the patient perspective.

Keywords: Barriers and facilitators; inflammatory arthritis; psychological support provision; resources.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Overall rating of psychological support provision
Figure 2
Figure 2
Services available that contain elements of psychological support
Figure 3
Figure 3
Psychological skills within the rheumatology team
Figure 4
Figure 4
Current barriers to psychological support provision in unit
Figure 5
Figure 5
Future facilitators to psychological support provision in unit
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