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Background: The expansion of the role of the rheumatology nurse specialist led to the instigation, in 1999, of the first Masters programme in rheumatology nursing, with the aim of supporting clinical advancement with evidence‐based practice. This study explored the experience of rheumatology nurses undertaking postgraduate study at Masters level. Objectives: (1) To explore the perceptions and experiences of clinical nurse specialists undertaking a Masters programme in Rheumatology Nursing, including perceptions of impact. (2) To identify future educational needs. Methods: Ten rheumatology nurses who had completed a Masters degree in rheumatology nursing participated in a semi‐structured video link or telephone interview conducted between 17th March 2021–17th May 2021. Interpretive phenomenological analysis was undertaken by two researchers and two public contributors. Results: Four themes were identified: (i) Increased confidence and the development of new clinical skills. (ii) The perceived impact on the organisation; (iii) Benefits of face‐to‐face learning; and (iv) Continuing evolution of the rheumatology nurse specialist role. Participants reported increased confidence in clinical skills and felt that their learning had benefited their employing organisation. However, lack of time and insufficient managerial support could impede the implementation of new skills. Learning examination techniques, engagement in learning and peer support were seen as advantages of face‐to‐face learning. Future educational needs focused on diagnostic and prescribing skills. Conclusions: Participant learners perceived that completing a face‐to‐face Masters in rheumatology increased confidence in delivering new clinical skills and fostered peer networks, whilst also benefiting their employing organisations. There is a need for organisational support to apply learning to the clinical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Consumers of healthcare can reveal important insights into the personal challenges they experience when negotiating their health needs. The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) wanted to explore the experiences of those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in order to understand the impact on the individual and on healthcare resources and benchmark care against published standards and guidelines., Methods: A project was designed to explore the experiences of individuals with sero-positive RA who had been diagnosed for three years or less. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were used and combined with process mapping to explore the experiences of a purposeful sample of individuals with RA. The information generated was mapped and variances explored. Ethical approval was not required as the data were collected outside the National Health Service., Results: Twenty-two participants' stories were mapped. Fifty per cent of participants sought a medical opinion within three weeks of symptom onset and the majority received a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug within six months from first presenting symptoms. Work-related issues were highlighted by 13 participants, and seven of these experienced job losses directly attributed to their diagnosis., Conclusions: This unique mapping approach used qualitative research and process mapping to compare patient experiences against recognized standards and guidelines. These twenty-two stories reveal important insights into the challenges experienced in negotiating these healthcare journeys and the impact upon the individual as a result of variances in standards of care received. The participants in this study were chiefly self-motivated, informed and articulate, and did not reflect the broad ethnic, social or cultural diversity in the UK. Limitations must also be considered in relation to perceptions and recall of participants over a three-year period, as these may have altered over time and illness experience.