The Impact of Rheumatic Musculoskeletal Diseases

Rheumatic musculoskeletal diseases (RMD) significantly affect patients' quality of life and impose substantial economic burdens on society. The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) emphasizes the importance of empowering patients through education.

The Role of Communication in Treatment

Effective communication can greatly influence treatment outcomes, facilitating shared decision-making between patients and healthcare providers. Health literacy plays a crucial role, as a patient's understanding of their condition directly affects their ability to utilize health information effectively.

Online Information Seeking Behaviors

Recent findings presented at the 2025 annual EULAR congress in Barcelona shed light on how patients with RMD seek disease-related information online. A prospective study conducted in Germany involved 705 patients diagnosed with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, or psoriatic arthritis, who participated by completing a comprehensive questionnaire.

Key Findings from the Study

The results revealed that over 75% of respondents had used the internet to find information related to their RMD. Approximately half of the participants also utilized social media and health applications as part of their search for information. Notably, 13.5% of patients reported conducting online searches more than once a week, often without guidance from other sources.

Topics of Interest

Patients frequently searched for topics such as symptoms, treatment effectiveness, potential side effects, and disease-specific dietary advice. The primary sources of information included free online search engines and websites affiliated with patient organizations.

Engagement with Online Communities

While only 3% of patients indicated active participation in patient forums, a significant 62.4% acknowledged their use of online resources and encouraged others to do the same. Additionally, a majority of respondents found the information accessible, with 79.8% considering it easy to understand and 62.3% stating that medical terminology was adequately explained.

Discussion with Healthcare Providers

Despite the wealth of information available online, only 42.6% of patients discussed their findings with their rheumatologist. However, a striking 79% felt that online resources improved their understanding of their disease, and nearly half reported reduced anxiety or depression related to their RMD. Conversely, only 46.5% believed that the information they found enhanced their understanding of their therapy.

The Need for Improved Guidance

Lead author Ioana Andreica highlighted the prevalent issue that while patients actively seek online disease-related information, there is an evident lack of clear guidance regarding where and how to search for reliable content. This gap underscores the necessity for enhancing health literacy to support informed decision-making for individuals living with RMD.

Conclusion

As the digital landscape evolves, it becomes increasingly vital for patients with RMD to receive appropriate guidance on navigating online resources. By improving access to accurate information and fostering better communication with healthcare professionals, patients can better manage their conditions and enhance their overall quality of life.