An exploration of the experiences of rheumatology nurses counselling patients on methotrexate therapy.

OBJECTIVES: Methotrexate is commonly used to treat patients with inflammatory arthritis. A key role of a rheumatology nurse is to educate patients on how to take this drug safely prior to the commencement of treatment. The objective of the present study was to explore the experiences of rheumatology nurses conducting this role, focusing on the content of the consultation and training received to perform the role.

METHODS: A qualitative phenomenological approach was used. Six semi-structured interviews were performed with nurses from two hospitals who regularly counsel patients prior to starting methotrexate. The interviews were thematically analysed by two researchers and themes extracted.

RESULTS: Four main themes were identified: (a) using written information to structure the content of the consultation; (b) patients have different information needs; (c) time pressures; and (d) training and evolution of practice. All participants described a lack of confidence when they first started counselling patients commencing methotrexate, with a wide variation in training. Participants reported that patients required different information depending on whether they were commencing this agent on its own or in combination with other drugs. All participants experienced some time pressure.

CONCLUSIONS: Participants reported that the majority of the consultation focused on conveying information, with little opportunity for patient interaction and questions. We suggest that there is a clear need for further exploration of these consultations, to identify possible training needs. Participants also used standard written information to guide both the structure and content of the consultation limiting patients'; opportunities to ask questions.