Description
Background: This study explored the willingness of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients to seek help from pharmacists for their disease management. While pharmacist interventions are known to enhance medication adherence and health outcomes, patient engagement with pharmacists remains low. Understanding the factors that influence RA patients' willingness to use pharmacy services is essential for improving patient outcomes and optimizing the role of pharmacists in RA management. Using the Integrative Model of Behavioral Prediction (IMBP), this study identified the factors influencing willingness to use pharmacists and pharmacy services among patients with RA. Methods: This study utilized semi-structured interviews targeting individuals 26 years with RA diagnosis within University of Mississippi. The interview guide informed by IMBP, was used to explore participants' perceptions on seeking advice from pharmacists, their experiences, perceived norms, behavioral control, intentions, background factors, barriers, and facilitators. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using both inductive and deductive approaches to identify themes based on the IMBP. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guideline checklist was followed. Results: This study involved eight participants aged between 44-77 years. They were predominantly White (n=5), had employer-sponsored insurance (n=5), and with varying use of pharmacy types. The responses converged to 13 key themes across five IMBP constructs. Positive attitudes toward pharmacists (e.g., trust, reassurance, and stress relief), self-efficacy (confidence in communication and medication knowledge), and social norms (influence of family and other RA patients) emerged as strong facilitators of willingness to seek help from pharmacists. While barriers such as long wait times, privacy concerns, and busy pharmacy environments were concurrent. Conclusion: This study underscores the multifaceted nature of pharmacist-patient interactions among individuals with RA. Participants valued pharmacists for their expertise in medication management and holistic care but faced significant barriers, including time constraints, insurance complexities, and impersonal pharmacy environments.
Publication Info
2026.