Patient perspectives and experiences with medication for gout: a thematic synthesis of qualitative studies

Objective. We aimed to describe patients’ perspectives and experiences of gout medications to inform patient-centered practice. Method. We performed a systematic review (using MEDLINE, Embase, PsychINFO, and CINAHL databases) and thematic analysis of studies using qualitative methodology from database inception up to May 2023. Results. Five dominant themes were identified in 45 studies involving 1203 patients: denying illness, negotiating uncertainty, juggling competing priorities, minimizing symptoms and lifestyle restrictions, and developing strategies and empowerment. Conclusion. Patients with gout wanted to avoid suffering and lifestyle restrictions but were concerned with stigmatization and were uncertain about medications. Comprehensive information about the disease and reframing the role of the different medications is needed to overcome the barriers of adherence to available and effective treatment. Our results highlight the fundamental importance of maintaining a patient-centered focus and include some avenues of how clinicians may redefine their approach to gout management.