Health Literacy in Rheumatology: How Communication, Technology, and Education Shape Care
Understanding health information — and being able to use it to make good decisions — is a cornerstone of managing any chronic condition. In rheumatology, where treatments can be complex and symptoms unpredictable, health literacy can mean the difference between feeling lost and feeling in control. A wave of new studies presented at the 2025 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) meeting reveals how health literacy, communication, and technology intersect to influence patient care, satisfaction, and outcomes.
Managing a rheumatic disease isn’t just about medication — it’s about mental health, too. A pilot program tested integrating behavioral health (BH) services directly into a rheumatology clinic. Twenty-eight patients received up to eight sessions with a BH specialist, mostly focused on stress, mood, and coping with pain. Afterward, participants showed improvements in mood, anxiety, pain, fatigue, sleep, and overall quality of life. While social satisfaction didn’t change, the study showed that embedding mental health support into routine rheumatology care is both feasible and promising.
High Patient Satisfaction with a Medication Education Program: Program to Understand Rheumatology Medications with Pharmacist Led Education
Two studies looked at pharmacist-led education programs for people with inflammatory arthritis.
In one, patients received personalized medication education and follow-up calls from a clinical pharmacist. Although the program didn’t produce statistically significant improvements in adherence or disease activity after six months, trends suggested better disease control in the pharmacist-supported group.
In another Utah-based program, patients starting or switching medications were offered a follow-up visit with a pharmacist. Satisfaction was strikingly high: over 90% said the visit was worthwhile, and most felt more confident about medication safety and effectiveness. The consistent message? Pharmacist involvement may not transform lab results overnight — but it clearly builds trust, confidence, and understanding.
As telemedicine becomes standard in rheumatology, not every patient is equally ready to use it. A Singapore study identified four groups of patients ranging from “digitally disengaged” to “confident and ready adopters.” Those with low digital literacy struggled most with online care. Similarly, another study found that younger, tech-savvy patients were more likely to find telemedicine acceptable and effective, while those with limited access or complex medical needs were less satisfied. The message is clear: successful telehealth depends on digital confidence, not just internet access.
A U.S. clinic introduced a “video triage” appointment system for new rheumatology patients to shorten wait times. Among 208 patients surveyed, more than 80% reported being extremely satisfied, and nearly everyone said they would recommend the program. Even those who encountered technical issues were still happy with their care. It’s proof that when done thoughtfully, telemedicine can maintain high-quality, patient-centered care.
Several studies tackled health literacy directly — and their findings were eye-opening.
A U.K. survey of 263 patients revealed major variation in how well people understand, find, and use health information. Researchers identified 11 distinct groups with different strengths and gaps. Younger, employed, and White patients tended to have stronger literacy, while older, unemployed, and non-White participants faced more barriers.
Two related studies in national cohorts showed how low health literacy can ripple through life: patients with limited understanding were more likely to have multiple health problems (like diabetes or heart disease) and less likely to stay employed. The takeaway: improving health literacy isn’t just about knowledge — it’s about better health, independence, and quality of life.
The internet is a double-edged sword for people with arthritis. A European study found that while most patients regularly search online for information about treatments, symptoms, and self-care, many struggle to judge what’s credible. This highlights a growing need for rheumatology professionals to help patients find trustworthy, plain-language resources — not leave them to sort through social media noise alone.
Two other studies touched on how technology and human perception influence care.
One study compared how ChatGPT, Bing AI, and Google Bard answered 50 clinical rheumatology questions. ChatGPT came out on top in accuracy, relevance, and speed — but researchers warned that AI tools should support, not replace, clinical judgment.
Another study examined how a rheumatologist’s attire affects patient perception. Doctors in white coats or professional dress were rated as more competent and trustworthy, while casual attire felt more approachable but less authoritative. The simple truth: even small cues shape patient trust and comfort.
Finally, a study using natural language processing (NLP) — a form of artificial intelligence — showed how computer algorithms can automatically extract disease activity scores for rheumatoid arthritis from clinic notes. The system’s accuracy nearly matched manual review, suggesting that AI could streamline documentation and free up time for actual patient care.
Across all these studies, one theme stands out: health literacy and communication are just as vital as medication or lab tests. Whether it’s a video visit that puts a patient at ease, a pharmacist explaining a new drug, or an AI tool summarizing a clinic note, the goal is the same — to make care more understandable, accessible, and human.
Improving health literacy isn’t just about teaching patients; it’s about designing systems, technologies, and conversations that meet people where they are. The science of rheumatology is evolving — and so is the art of helping patients truly understand it.
