OBJECTIVES:

To identify measurement scales to assess patient satisfaction (PS) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and synthesize their psychometric properties.

METHODS:

A search of observational studies that report development or validation of instruments for measuring PS with RA was conducted in Medline, Embase, Lilacs and Cochrane databases in September 2019, without any limits. Selection, methodological quality assesses and data extraction from the studies was performed by two reviewers independently. PS was defined by the authors based on the evidence including four domains. Methodological quality and psychometric properties were assessed and synthesized according to the requirements of the COSMIN checklist.

RESULTS:

From 2,419 retrieved abstracts, 12 studies were included. Ten studies developed and validated scales in English and two of these scales were cross-cultural validation in Spanish. The instruments involved between 2 to 11 domains and 2 to 58 items. Based on definition of PS, the scales included any domain: treatment satisfaction (30.0%), information needs (20.0%), and satisfaction with care and providers (50.0%). All the instruments used Likert-type scales with different scoring and additionally two visual analog scale; they were designed to self-administered. Reliability (83.3%) and construction validity (75.0%) were the most reported properties; content, face and concurrent validity were reported in less than half of the studies. The responsiveness and acceptability were reported in 5 scales. The psychometric properties of scales varied between acceptable and excellent, including those validated in their translated versions being the TSQM -treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication- and ENAT -Educational needs assessment tool- which showed better performance.

CONCLUSIONS:

The scales found for the assessment of PS with RA have adequate psychometric properties, however they do not contain the domains required in the definition of PS. The development and validation of a scale that allows the general assessment of PS with RA is needed.