Table 3 Highlighting reasons by Patient Panel members for becoming involved in the audit [38]

Patient Panel Member 1

'I joined the BSR Patient Panel as I felt that I could offer a particularly useful input given that my diagnosis for RA was relatively recent, in 2015

I feel that I benefited from the early referral as my RA is now in remission and I have practically no visible joint damage. I even remember my rheumatologist saying that I was part of the pilot for the NEIAA new reporting'

Patient Panel Member 2

‘As soon as I heard about the NEIAA work I was keen to be involved. The NEIAA will help to provide a stimulus to help improve diagnosis and treatment for all types of IA and if I could help in a small way to assist the work of the project, I am happy to do so

I owe my mobility to the superb work of the NHS rheumatology team and physiotherapists at Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth, and this is a way of giving something back'

Patient Panel Member 3

‘After being diagnosed I felt I needed to find out everything there was to know about a condition which initially impacted me greatly. Consequently, I wanted to become involved with all things relating to my condition, something I felt would give me back my self-esteem, given the initial impact

With this lived experience, therefore, I now have the opportunity and, indeed, want to contribute towards anything that makes patients' lives a little less challenging while having to deal with their condition'

Patient Panel Member 4

‘My involvement with NEIAA is because I think patient input is vital for all aspects of research and patient care. I have had RA for many years and there have been huge advances in medication for most auto immune conditions, but patient involvement in research and teaching lags behind

Being part of a like-minded group is energising and makes use of my brain which still functions, despite physical restrictions!'

Patient Panel Member 5

'I became involved with the audit, because I have lived with RA for most of my life, having been diagnosed in early childhood. I have received many different therapies over the years and seen a huge improvement in treatment effectiveness

I realise how very important it is for all patients to receive effective treatment early on in their disease, to prevent joint damage and disability. However, I know that sadly this does not always happen. I believe the audit will help highlight why this might be and enable us to improve care pathways, both locally and nationally in order to keep people healthy, active and in work whenever possible'