THU0580 What are the patients' issues and needs related to their biologics (BDMARDS) and methotrexate (MTX) treatment in daily life: a quantitative cross-sectional survey among 344 patients to develop an educational smartphone app

Background MTX and bDMARDs are the core treatments of chronic inflammatory arthritis (IA). We lack information on the patients9 problems and needs in daily life, particularly on safety issues. Objectives 1-collect the most frequent issues 2-explore the patients9 perceptions on a dedicated smartphone application (SP App) 3) determine the profile of the patients interested. Methods The survey was conducted on line. The questionnaire was designed by rheumatologists, methodologists, anthropologists, members of patients association (AP) and included 1-a non-exhaustive list of potential issues in daily life (fever, vaccines, ...) and practical aspects 2-a list of potential use of the App 3- free opinions 4- Two self-administrated questionnaire to test patients9 knowledge on bDMARDs [1] and MTX [2]. Results The survey was carried out from June to August 2016 on the websites of the PA. Non-associative patients were recruited by 3 rheumatologists who provided the Internet link. 344 patients responded, 331 analyzed, 83% female, 50% had rheumatoid arthritis, 40% had spondyloarthritis, mean age 53 years, 60% were AP; 67% were treated with MTX, 70% had bDMARDs, 34% had MTX- bDMARDs combotherapy. 66% of patients reported problems; 67% had needed help or advice. The main issues were infections (27%), vaccines (13%), surgery (10%), dental care (7%), self-administration (6%), conservation/travelling (9%) and skipped doses (5%). Among the 76% patients who have a SP, 80% use Apps and 32% Apps for their health. Among users, 87% patients would find an App useful to manage their treatment (36% rather agree and 51% strongly agree), 82% for symptoms requiring to stop their treatment, 93% for situations related to safety, 80% as a reminder of their treatment, 80% to know what to do in case of a skipped dose, 77% to have a safety checklist before treatment administration, 66% to recall the modalities of self-injections. Patients interested in the App are younger (p Conclusions Two-third of patients with arthritis face issues related to their treatment especially in case of infections, vaccination, surgery and travelling. A dedicated App is considered useful by 87% patients who already have a SP. The potential use of the App may improve safety, adherence and self-management in daily life. References Gossec L et coll. Joint Bone Spine. 2013; Fayet F et coll J Clin Nurs. 2016. Acknowledgements Grant: French Society of Rheumatology with the institutional funding by Biogen, Nordic Pharma, Roche. Disclosure of Interest None declared