Poster can be found in location 39.

Background and aim: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic, inflammatory joint disease affecting all aspects of life (1). Rheumatology care strives to achieve optimal health based on person-centred care (PCC). A compilation of four papers in a doctoral thesis was performed to explore patients' perspectives on PCC and preferred outcomes in the early stages of RA (2). This exploration aimed to encompass patients’ perceptions of PCC (3), their perspective on health (4), and preferred treatment outcomes, considering both Swedish (5) and European (6) contexts. Methods: This qualitative, longitudinal, multi-center study, including both individual (early in the disease course) (3, 4) and focus group interviews (one-year follow-up), was conducted in Sweden at two time points, comprising 31 and 22 patients, respectively (5). Then, a meta-synthesis was performed based on three independent longitudinal qualitative studies from Sweden, the Netherlands, and Belgium (6, 7). Results: For patients with early RA, PCC included meeting professional competence, having access to care, support, and involvement in care, being satisfied with the care, and achieving optimal health (3). Health was understood as belonging, happiness, freedom, and empowerment (4). The preferred treatment outcomes from a Swedish perspective were to ”master a new life situation” through disease control, autonomy, regained identity, and joy (5). From a European perspective, it was to ”live a normal life” through disease control, physical performance, self-accomplishment, and well-being (6). Conclusions: PCC in early RA includes meeting supportive, dedicated, and professional healthcare professionals, having easy access to care, and the ability to be involved in decision-making. Three key aspects highlighted preferred outcomes: independence; implies a meaningful life and a sense of freedom, empowerment; reflects patients' ability to engage in self-management, and well-being; encompasses the broader spectrum of physical, mental, and social health; which ultimately captures the holistic benefits of a person-centred approach.