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New report highlights experiences of people living with immune-mediated inflammatory conditions in Scotland

  • Area of Work: Self Management
  • Type: News Item
  • Published: 30th April 2026

Findings show a need for quicker diagnosis and improved referrals to self management support

Bringing together the lived experience of over 1,250 people in Scotland living with with inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, as well as inflammatory bowel disease, lupus and psoriasis, The Scottish Report, led by the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS), in collaboration with Crohn’s & Colitis UK, Lupus UK, the National Axis Spondyloarthritis Society, and the Psoriasis Association outlines where the system is falling short and shares clear recommendations for change.

Findings from the report show that people living with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases in Scotland face delays in diagnosis, unequal access to care and limited self management support.

Statistics within The Scottish Report highlight that:

  • 55% needed three or more GP visits before a referral was made to a specialist
  • 45% were not referred to a patient or third sector organisation at the point of diagnosis
  • 68% want further access to self management education and support
  • Only 25% of people diagnosed in the last five years feel confident self managing their symptoms

NRAS are calling for greater public awareness of the symptoms of IMID diseases, better joined-up working across services, earlier diagnosis and faster access to specialist care, and fair access to care, no matter where you live. NRAS are also calling for routine referrals to patient organisations at the point of diagnosis.

For more information and to read The Scottish Report, visit the NRAS website.

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