The patient experience of musculoskeletal imaging tests for investigation of inflammatory arthritis: a mixed-methods study

The objective of this study was to understand the patient experience of musculoskeletal imaging tests for investigation of inflammatory arthritis and factors that contribute to this experience. We conducted a thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 33 patients who had a recent peripheral joint musculoskeletal imaging test for investigation of inflammatory arthritis. Data from these interviews were used to generate an 18-item questionnaire which was posted to rheumatology clinic patients within 6 weeks of peripheral joint imaging. Variables associated with the overall experience of the test were analysed using stepwise linear regression. Analysis of the interviews identified six themes: knowledge about the test, awareness of potential harm, the role of imaging in clinical care, discomfort, experience of waiting and ‘seeing is believing’. Completed questionnaires were available from 132 patients. In regression analysis, a strong negative association was observed between the ‘discomfort during the test’ item and the overall experience of the test (standardised beta −0.35, p < 0.001). ‘Staff made the experience better’ (0.26, p < 0.001) and ‘information provided’ (0.28, p < 0.001) were positively associated with the overall experience of the test. For those who viewed their images, ‘looking at the images with my doctor made me feel more involved in my care’ (0.24, p = 0.022) was also associated positively with overall experience. Factors before, during and after a musculoskeletal imaging test contribute to the patient experience. The overall experience is most influenced by patient discomfort and interactions with staff during the test, information provided and viewing images to improve patient involvement in clinical care.