Rheumatology

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Which aspects of functioning are relevant for patients with ankylosing spondylitis: results of focus group interviews
Journal of Rheumatology, 10/19/09

Boonen A et al. – Relevant aspects of the influence of AS are not covered by the classic disease-specific instruments. In particular, the influence of AS on socializing and leisure and the relevance of environmental and personal factors are not adequately assessed by available instruments.

• Qualitative focus group study
• AS patients with problems in daily functioning
• Group sessions with 4 to 5 patients each organized up to point that no new information was brought forward
• Group sessions tape-recorded, transcribed, and divided into meaning units
• Concepts contained in meaning units were extracted
• Self-report instruments on health status specific for AS were identified in literature search
Using International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) as common reference, it was determined whether the concepts identified in focus groups were covered by instruments

• 19 patients participated in 4 focus group interviews
• 332 unique meaning units linked to 90 second-level ICF categories, of which 25 referred to body functions, 10 to body structures, 35 to activities and participation and 30 to environmental factors
• Only 47 categories also covered by 1 of self-report instrument in AS
• Only minority of concepts addressed by AS-specific questionnaires not revealed as relevant in interviews

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