Little is currently known as to the predictive value of ultrasound in guiding the decision to taper drug treatment in patients with stable rheumatoid arthritis, nor the influence that patients' views and opinions regarding their medications may have upon this. In this study, patients with stable rheumatoid arthritis will undergo a simple examination of their joints to look for any swelling or tenderness followed by an ultrasound scan to look for joint inflammation. Half of the patients will also complete an interview to assess their views and opinions of arthritis drug treatment. The study will be completed in a single patient visit - no invasive tests will be performed, and no changes to treatment will be made.

This study is being conducted as part of a Masters degree from Newcastle University. The results of this study will be used to inform the feasibility of inclusion of ultrasound assessment within the design of a future PhD study to investigate potential markers of remission in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis with symptom onset at least 12 months previously
• Current disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy or biologic therapy
• Currently stable arthritis defined as no change in DMARD treatment over previous 6 months, and no use of steroids (enteral, parenteral or intra-articular) over previous 6 months

Exclusion Criteria:

• Inability to provide informed consent
• Current or recent (within 4 months) participation within another clinical trial

Secondary care rheumatology outpatient clinic