Preferences for diagnostic pathways and treatment choice in systemic lupus erythematosus: a patient-based discrete choice experiment

Objectives: Starting from the unmet need of early diagnosis and treatment in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the study aims to explore patient preferences in diagnostic pathways and treatment modalities. It seeks to integrate clinical priorities with patient perspectives, providing an optimal approach to SLE treatment that remains uncertain. Methods: A discrete choice experiment (DCE) has been conducted to investigate whether patient preferences align while maintaining consistent attributes and levels, providing a direct assessment of relative preferences and hypothetical treatment approaches in SLE. Results: DCE results demonstrated that obtaining an early diagnosis is the most crucial attribute for patients. Additionally, a multidisciplinary care team, capable of enhancing clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction, is essential, along with a clinical centre conveniently located within 30 minutes of the patient's home. Lastly, patients prefer the opportunity to reduce glucocorticoid to a dosage ≤5 mg/day, and eventually discontinue, aligning with the new EULAR recommendations, and favour oral and subcutaneous routes of administration for new course of treatment. Conclusions: Patient preferences contribute to enhancing the care pathway for SLE by optimising disease management, with a focus on multidisciplinarity and psychological support.