Aims and objectives: To develop a model of understanding of how rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects daily life based on a third-order interpretation of qualitative findings.
Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition subject to a progressive deterioration of joints, limiting the ability to move and causing severe impairment in patients' lives.
Design: A qualitative metasynthesis.
Methods: CINHAL, ProQuest, PsycINFO, PubMed, SCOPUS and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant studies applying appropriate criteria. Screening and selection of studies were performed following the PRISMA guidelines and the PRISMA checklist was completed. Thirty-eight qualitative articles were retrieved: in total, 17 were excluded for failing to meet inclusion criteria, and 21 were considered for synthesis. Data analysis followed a third-order interpretation of data for synthesising qualitative research.
Results: Findings led to the creation of a model consisting of two overarching categories: "rheumatoid arthritis impact on life domains" and "Confronting the illness," and two cross-sectional codes: "Health" and "Independence and normality."
Conclusion: This meta-study provides a model that is both inclusive of participants' own viewpoint and solidly grounded in a health psychology model.
Relevance to clinical practice: The model can be highly informative for both practitioners and researchers in developing tailored interventions of support and prevention.
Keywords: patient experience; qualitative metasynthesis; review; rheumatoid arthritis.
© 2020 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.