Physicians are learning how to better support the needs of people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from online search trends, according to a new study from researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and colleagues at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons.
The study examined how patients engage with the digital world using real-time data from Google Trends. The patterns reveal not only how rheumatoid conditions affect daily life, but also reflect patients’ digital behavior as they turn to online resources for answers and support.
“Our work provides a clearer view of what patients are actually searching for and enables us to address their needs more effectively,” says Bella Mehta, MBBS, MS, rheumatologist at HSS and senior author of the study.
Researchers selected a range of keywords and topics related to symptoms and treatment of rheumatic diseases. They found that online searches for symptoms consistent with rheumatoid or inflammatory arthritis, such as joint pain and swollen hands, spiked between 5:00 am and 7:00 am, when patients are likely at peak discomfort. In contrast, searches for medications like methotrexate, which is one of the standard medications for RA, were higher at night. This indicates that patients are actively seeking relief after experiencing pain throughout the day and into the evening.
“By identifying the times when patients most frequently experience and seek relief for their symptoms, we can optimize medication schedules and enhance patient support to provide more targeted care,” says Dr. Mehta. “This personalized approach not only improves the effectiveness of treatments but also helps patients better manage their conditions.”
This data-driven approach also fosters better communication between patients and providers, opening the door for more-informed discussions about symptom patterns and treatment options. “This allows us to be more responsive to patients’ needs and offer interventions that align with their daily challenges, leading to better health outcomes,” explains Dr. Mehta.
For example, many people with rheumatoid diseases search for dietary advice or other alternative treatments online, yet this is a conversation that rarely happens during clinical visits. Research studies like this can help bridge these gaps, creating more opportunities for physicians to talk to their patients about appropriate care options, rather than patients relying on potentially ineffective or harmful information online.
“By paying attention to these online behaviors, we can reduce the disconnect between the healthcare system and the individuals we serve, ensuring that we provide more empathetic, timely, and patient-centered care,” says Dr. Mehta.
About HSS
HSS is the world’s leading academic medical center focused on musculoskeletal health. At its core is Hospital for Special Surgery, nationally ranked No. 1 in orthopedics (for the 15th consecutive year), No. 3 in rheumatology by U.S. News & World Report (2024-2025), and the best pediatric orthopedic hospital in NY, NJ and CT by U.S. News & World Report “Best Children’s Hospitals” list (2024-2025). In a survey of medical professionals in more than 20 countries by Newsweek, HSS is ranked world #1 in orthopedics for a fifth consecutive year (2025).
Founded in 1863, the Hospital has the lowest readmission rates in the nation for orthopedics, and among the lowest infection and complication rates. HSS was the first in New York State to receive Magnet Recognition for Excellence in Nursing Service from the American Nurses Credentialing Center five consecutive times. An affiliate of Weill Cornell Medical College, HSS has a main campus in New York City and facilities in New Jersey, Connecticut and in the Long Island and Westchester County regions of New York State, as well as in Florida.
In addition to patient care, HSS leads the field in research, innovation and education. The HSS Research Institute comprises 20 laboratories and 300 staff members focused on leading the advancement of musculoskeletal health through prevention of degeneration, tissue repair and tissue regeneration. In addition, more than 200 HSS clinical investigators are working to improve patient outcomes through better ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat orthopedic, rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.
The HSS Innovation Institute works to realize the potential of new drugs, therapeutics and devices. The HSS Education Institute is a trusted leader in advancing musculoskeletal knowledge and research for physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, academic trainees, and consumers in more than 165 countries. The institution is collaborating with medical centers and other organizations to advance the quality and value of musculoskeletal care and to make world-class HSS care more widely accessible nationally and internationally.
