The Lived Experience of Myasthenia Gravis: A Patient-Led Analysis

Abstract

Introduction: A greater understanding of the reality of living with myasthenia gravis (MG) may improve management and outcomes for patients. However, there is little published data on the patient perspective of how MG impacts life. Our objective was to reveal the lived experience of MG from the patient perspective.

Methods: This analysis was led by an international Patient Council comprising nine individuals living with MG who serve as local/national patient advocates in seven countries (Europe and the United States). Insights into the lived experience of MG were consolidated from three sources (a qualitative research study of 54 people with MG or their carers from seven countries; a previous Patient Council meeting [September 2019]; and a literature review). Insights were prioritised by the Patient Council, discussed during a virtual workshop (August 2020) and articulated in a series of statements organised into domains. Overarching themes that describe the lived experience of MG were identified by the patient authors.

Results: From 114 patient insights and supporting quotes, the Patient Council defined 44 summary statements organised into nine domains. Five overarching themes were identified that describe the lived experience of MG. These themes include living with fluctuating and unpredictable symptoms; a constant state of adaptation, continual assessment and trade-offs in all aspects of life; treatment inertia, often resulting in under-treatment; a sense of disconnect with healthcare professionals; and feelings of anxiety, frustration, guilt, anger, loneliness and depression.

Conclusion: This patient-driven analysis enriches our understanding of the reality of living with MG from the patient perspective.

Keywords: Lived experience; Myasthenia gravis; Patient perspective; Qualitative.

Fig. 1

The patient-led process followed for insight identification, collation, prioritisation and analysis. MG myasthenia gravis