WASHINGTON, Nov. 16,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Physicians are learning how
to better support the needs of people with rheumatoid arthritis
(RA) from online search trends, according to a new study from
researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and colleagues at
Columbia University Vagelos College of
Physicians & Surgeons.
The study examined how patients engage with the digital world
using real-time data from Google Trends. The patterns reveal not
only how rheumatoid conditions affect daily life, but also reflect
patients' digital behavior as they turn to online resources for
answers and support.
"Our work provides a clearer view of what patients are actually
searching for and enables us to address their needs more
effectively," says Bella Mehta,
MBBS, MS, rheumatologist at HSS and senior author of the study.
Researchers selected a range of keywords and topics related to
symptoms and treatment of rheumatic diseases. They found that
online searches for symptoms consistent with rheumatoid or
inflammatory arthritis, such as joint pain and swollen hands,
spiked between 5:00 am and 7:00 am,
when patients are likely at peak discomfort. In contrast, searches
for medications like methotrexate, which is one of the standard
medications for RA, were higher at night. This indicates that
patients are actively seeking relief after experiencing pain
throughout the day and into the evening.
"By identifying the times when patients most frequently
experience and seek relief for their symptoms, we can optimize
medication schedules and enhance patient support to provide more
targeted care," says Dr. Mehta. "This personalized approach not
only improves the effectiveness of treatments but also helps
patients better manage their conditions."
This data-driven approach also fosters better communication
between patients and providers, opening the door for more-informed
discussions about symptom patterns and treatment options. "This
allows us to be more responsive to patients' needs and offer
interventions that align with their daily challenges, leading to
better health outcomes," explains Dr. Mehta.
For example, many people with rheumatoid diseases search for
dietary advice or other alternative treatments online, yet this is
a conversation that rarely happens during clinical visits. Research
studies like this can help bridge these gaps, creating more
opportunities for physicians to talk to their patients about
appropriate care options, rather than patients relying on
potentially ineffective or harmful information online.
"By paying attention to these online behaviors, we can reduce
the disconnect between the healthcare system and the individuals we
serve, ensuring that we provide more empathetic, timely, and
patient-centered care," says Dr. Mehta.
About HSS
HSS is the world's leading academic medical center focused on
musculoskeletal health. At its core is Hospital for Special
Surgery, nationally ranked No. 1 in orthopedics (for the 15th
consecutive year), No. 3 in rheumatology by U.S. News & World
Report (2024-2025), and the best pediatric orthopedic hospital in
NY, NJ and CT by U.S. News & World Report "Best Children's
Hospitals" list (2024-2025). In a survey of medical professionals
in more than 20 countries by Newsweek, HSS is ranked world #1 in
orthopedics for a fifth consecutive year (2025).
Founded in 1863, the Hospital has the lowest readmission rates
in the nation for orthopedics, and among the lowest infection and
complication rates. HSS was the first in New York State to receive Magnet Recognition
for Excellence in Nursing Service from the American Nurses
Credentialing Center five consecutive times. An affiliate of Weill
Cornell Medical College, HSS has a main campus in New York City and facilities in New Jersey, Connecticut and in the Long Island and Westchester County regions of New York State, as well as in Florida.
In addition to patient care, HSS leads the field in research,
innovation and education. The HSS Research Institute comprises 20
laboratories and 300 staff members focused on leading the
advancement of musculoskeletal health through prevention of
degeneration, tissue repair and tissue regeneration. In addition,
more than 200 HSS clinical investigators are working to improve
patient outcomes through better ways to prevent, diagnose, and
treat orthopedic, rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. The HSS
Innovation Institute works to realize the potential of new drugs,
therapeutics and devices. The HSS Education Institute is a trusted
leader in advancing musculoskeletal knowledge and research for
physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, academic trainees,
and consumers in more than 165 countries. The institution is
collaborating with medical centers and other organizations to
advance the quality and value of musculoskeletal care and to make
world-class HSS care more widely accessible nationally and
internationally. www.hss.edu.
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SOURCE Hospital for Special Surgery