PATHS study.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding Patient's early Health-Seeking Behaviours Before Their Axial Spndyloarthritis Diagnosis Study- PATHS study.
IRAS ID
362665
Contact name
Aseel Al-salman
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Keele University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, 19 days
Research summary
This study is about understanding the experiences of people who have recently been diagnosed with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), a type of long-term inflammatory arthritis that mainly affects the spine and pelvis. Many people with axSpA face long delays before getting the right diagnosis. These delays can mean years of ongoing pain, uncertainty, and repeated visits to healthcare professionals before being referred to a specialist.
We want to learn more about how people with early symptoms of axSpA before a formal diagnosis, seek help, which healthcare professionals they see, what online resources they use, and the difficulties they face before reaching the right person who recognises their condition and refers them to see a specialist. By hearing directly from patients, we can understand the challenges and facilitators they experience in navigating the healthcare system.
Adults in England and Wales who have been diagnosed with axSpA in the last one year will be invited to take part by staff at their Rheumatology department. Participation will involve one online video-call interview, lasting around 45–60 minutes. In the interview, patients will be asked about their symptoms, who they went to for help, and their experiences with different healthcare providers.
The findings from this study will be used to inform NHS services and policy, helping to reduce diagnostic delays, improve referral pathways, and ensure that people with axSpA are diagnosed and treated earlier.REC name
North West - Haydock Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/NW/0381
Date of REC Opinion
16 Dec 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion