Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41783121›Full record

ArticlePatient preference and adherence2026

Development of a Complex Biofeedback-Based Intervention to Improve Methotrexate Adherence in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A COM-B Model Informed Qualitative Study.

Hannah Shafi, Christopher J Armitage, Suzanne M M Verstappen, Anne Barton, Rebecca R Lee, James Bluett

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Patient preference and adherence, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Hannah ShafiVersus Arthritis Centre for Genetics and Genomics, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, the University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.ORCID 0000-0002-4352-8353
Christopher J ArmitageManchester Centre for Health Psychology, Division of Psychology and Mental Health, NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Research Collaboration, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
Suzanne M M VerstappenThe Centre for Epidemiology, the Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, the Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK.
Anne BartonVersus Arthritis Centre for Genetics and Genomics, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, the University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
Rebecca R LeeManchester Centre for Health Psychology, Division of Psychology and Mental Health, NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Research Collaboration, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
James BluettVersus Arthritis Centre for Genetics and Genomics, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, the University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.ORCID 0000-0001-5062-5779

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Introduction: Methotrexate (MTX) is one of the first-line treatments for Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) but sub-optimal adherence to MTX is common. Adherence can be challenging to detect in the clinic but can be assessed objectively using a MTX biochemical adherence test measuring levels of MTX in the blood. However, it remains unknown how to use the results of MTX biochemical adherence tests to improve adherence. COMMIT (development of a COMplex Methotrexate adherence IntervenTion utilising biofeedback) is a qualitative study designed to explore adherence to MTX in RA patients and aid the development of a behaviour change intervention that can be delivered alongside MTX biochemical adherence testing. Methods: Potential participants were identified from the Rheumatoid Arthritis Medications Study (RAMS), a large national study of patients with RA commencing MTX. An interview topic guide was developed using the Capability, Opportunity and Motivation to Behaviour (COM-B) model and the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Consenting participants took part in a 1:1 semi-structured telephone interview. Transcripts were inductively analysed and mapped to themes. Results: Seventeen participants treated with MTX for a mean 3 years (range 3-20) took part in the semi-structured interviews. Five overarching themes were identified and mapped to behaviour change techniques. Themes included 1. Knowledge of MTX and its impact, 2. Motivators versus barriers for continuation of MTX, 3. The healthcare approach in shaping patient adherence, 4. Creating habits and routines 5. MTX biochemical adherence blood tests and external monitoring of behaviour. Conclusion: This study has identified many of the key facilitators and barriers that influence adherence to methotrexate in RA patients. Through identifying the capabilities, opportunities, and motivations that shape engagement with MTX biochemical adherence testing, we can select targeted behaviour change techniques to address these factors. This theory-driven approach offers a novel pathway to improving uptake of MTX adherence testing.

Indexed as

biochemical adherencemethotrexatequalitative researchself-management

Identifiers

PMID41783121
PMCPMC12954022

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.