When it comes to patient treatment goals, people living with inflammatory conditions put pain relief, easier movement, and more energy at the top of the list — far ahead of remission. A new GHLF survey of 808 people, presented at ACR Convergence 2026, shows why care should focus on how patients actually feel.
People with polymyalgia rheumatica most want to know how to safely lower their steroid dose, yet this topic isn’t covered in health care provider education. Two CDC-funded GHLF studies, presented at ACR Convergence 2026, show where PMR education and research fall short and what patients need next.
Many people with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) aren’t getting treatments that reach beyond the skin. A GHLF survey of 462 people reporting HS symptoms, presented at ACR Convergence 2026, found that people taking DMARDs reported fewer painful HS symptoms — and that people without a rheumatic condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, were often left out of these treatment options.
What happens to pain and flares when someone with rheumatoid arthritis takes a GLP-1 medication? I tracked my own symptoms for a year. My patient perspective poster, which will be presented at ACR Convergence 2026, shares what changed and why patient experiences belong in research.
Fewer than 1 in 3 people with myositis are very satisfied with their treatment. A new GHLF survey, presented at ACR Convergence 2026, shows what patients most want from care: moving more easily, having more energy, and staying independent.
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