Background: Many rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in the Arabian Gulf experience delayed diagnosis and limited access to biologics.1,2 Increasing awareness in the region may ameliorate these shortcomings.3
Methods: A regional advisory panel was convened to explore patient pathways and attitudes and compare them versus those of their peers elsewhere in the world via literature search. The panel comprised four rheumatologists and nine RA patients from across the Arabian Gulf with a broad range of educational levels and disease duration (1–32 years). Pre-set questions were fielded to help understand gaps in care (Table 1).
Results: Some patients had to visit many healthcare professionals before receiving a diagnosis—leading to considerable delays in treatment and frustration. The primary point of contact is often the emergency department, suggesting a low level of RA awareness among GPs. Patients reported that patient-to-patient education is important and necessary. Nurse-driven education programs are needed. Patient information about RA is lacking, especially during pregnancy. Apps and wearables may be useful, particularly for younger patients. Shared decision making between rheumatologists and patients would likely increase treatment satisfaction and adherence. Key insights are summarised in Table 2 and compared with findings from the literature.4–9 Limitations include the small sample size and nurses were not included.
Conclusion: RA patients in the Arabian Gulf have many unmet needs that are largely aligned with those of their counterparts elsewhere in the world. Better communication among patients and rheumatologists is needed for optimum management of RA in the Arabian Gulf.

Highlighting the perspectives of rheumatoid arthritis patients in the Arabian Gulf: a narrative for rheumatologists and patients