Shared care or nursing consultations as an alternative to rheumatologist follow-up for rheumatoid arthritis outpatients with low disease activity--patient outcomes from a 2-year, randomised controlled trial

[Delegation of medical duties to qualified rheumatology assistants : Effect on depression and anxiety in patients with rheumatoid arthritis]

BACKGROUND

At least 1 comorbidity occurs in 80% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In addition to cardiovascular comorbidities psychological comorbid conditions are common. The prevalence of depression and anxiety is higher in patients than in the general population. Screening for comorbidities is crucial. A shortage of outpatient specialist care barely allows resources for this. The implementation of team-based care holds the potential to improve the standard of care while simultaneously working against the shortage of care.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to examine the effects of care on the course of depression and anxiety in patients with seropositive RA and active disease.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A multicenter pragmatic randomized controlled trial was conducted over the course of 1 year with 224 patients. After baseline, five more visits followed. In the intervention group (IG), three were initially carried out by qualified rheumatological assistants. Depression, anxiety and patient satisfaction with outpatient care were looked at in detail.

RESULTS

In the IG the anxiety symptoms significantly improved over 12 months (p = 0.036). The proportions of patients with anxiety also significantly changed in the IG (p < 0.001), while there was no change in the control group between baseline and month 12. The values of the depression scale did not differ significantly (p = 0.866). In terms of the information dimension of the satisfaction questionnaire, patients in the IG felt significantly better informed after 6 months (p = 0.013) and 12 months (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

A positive effect of team-based care on the course of depression and anxiety in patients with seropositive RA and active disease could be shown.

Nurses' roles, interventions, and implications for management of rheumatic diseases

Nurses have become integral members of multidisciplinary teams in managing rheumatic diseases, departing from their traditional patient care roles. This article provides a comprehensive review of nurses' roles, interventions, and impacts in several rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, spondyloarthritis, gout, systemic lupus erythematosus, and polymyalgia rheumatica. It has been demonstrated that care under nursing supervision is effective and safe, with benefits including disease management, quality of life, and treatment adherence. In addition, nurses play a crucial role in promoting health, educating patients, and administering biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the significance of telehealth services and nurses' role in delivering remote care. However, nursing education and training challenges persist, particularly in standardization and access to postgraduate education. Efforts to enhance the role of nurses in rheumatology care are necessary to optimize patient outcomes and meet the evolving needs of individuals with rheumatic diseases. Collaboration across healthcare institutions, professional groups, and educational facilities is necessary for promoting the continual growth and advancement of rheumatology nurse practice. By equipping nurses with the requisite knowledge, expertise, and resources to deliver top-notch care, we can enhance the well-being of individuals with rheumatic diseases and foster improved overall health outcomes.

Emerging trends in nurse-led programs of care for management of patients with established rheumatoid arthritis: Systematic literature review

INTRODUCTION

In patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), nurses are considered as essential, not only to ensure pharmacological safety, but also in the promotion in self-care and decision-making, favouring the empowerment of patients. This systematic review aimed to summarize the available literature on the health education by the nurse in patients with RA.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Following Cochrane Collaboration procedures, the PRISMA statement and PRISMA checklist, relevant quantitative studies published were retrieved from the CINAHL, Scopus, PubMed and Medic databases and then systematically reviewed. The search ended in August 2021. Nineteen studies were retained for inclusion and evaluated with the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network for Systematic Reviews.

RESULTS

We found statistically significant improvement in self-care (five studies), disease activity (three studies), quality of life (two studies), satisfaction (five studies) and adherence (one study) with the nursing-led management of patients with established rheumatoid arthritis.

DISCUSSION

Although there is solid evidence of improvement in satisfaction and self-care, there seems to be a trend also to improve other outcomes, such as DAS28, from the EULAR recommendations, the expansion of the therapeutic arsenal for rheumatoid arthritis and shared decision-making. In addition, recently and due to the implementation of new technologies, the role of the nurse has been evaluated through virtual consultations. The results of recent studies have shown that this an effective and well-accepted novel approach for the management of patients with stable rheumatoid arthritis.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that nurse-led health education, in addition of improvement in satisfaction and self-care, improve activity disease scores in RA patients.

Self-monitoring combined with patient-initiated care in RA patients with low disease activity: cost-effectiveness analysis of an RCT

OBJECTIVES

Self-monitoring and patient-initiated care (PIC) leads to fewer outpatient clinic visits in patients with established RA with low disease activity (LDA) while healthcare outcomes are similar. This study assesses the cost-effectiveness of PIC with self-monitoring.

METHODS

A 12-month randomized controlled trial was performed with 49 patients in the PIC with self-monitoring group (app-group) and 53 in usual care. The usual care group continued with preplanned visits. The app group had one planned follow-up visit after 12 months and monitored their RA disease activity in a smartphone app. Both groups could make additional appointments at liberty. We included adult RA patients with a disease duration of over 2 years, a disease activity score 28 (DAS28) below 3.2 that were stable on medication for at least 6 months. The effect measure, the DAS28, was measured at 12 months and healthcare resource usage and productivity losses were measured at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in mean change of DAS28 (-0.04 mean difference, 95% CI: -0.39, 0.30), nor a statistically significant difference in total costs (mean difference €514, 95% CI:-€266, €3690) in the app group compared with the usual care group. The probability that the app was cost-effective was 0.37 and 0.57 at a willingness-to-pay threshold of 0 and 50 000 €/point improvement DAS28, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Although rheumatic care costs were significantly lower in the app group, total costs and effects of PIC with self-monitoring were not different from usual care in RA patients with LDA.

It's About Time: A Study of Rheumatology Patient Consultation Times

OBJECTIVE

A study was conducted evaluating the process of a rheumatology consultation.

METHODS

Data on consultation times was obtained from 100 patient processes over three months. Prior to data collection, unstructured interviews were conducted with the entire staff of the rheumatology clinic in Shalamar Hospital, to understand the consultation process. Based on this, consultation was divided into distinct segments (vitals, history and examination, specialist registrar consultation, specialist consultation, documentation and exercise/prescription handing over) and data was collected for the time taken for the patient to complete each segment. Designation of the personnel conducting the process, diagnosis, current visit number and general notes were also recorded.

RESULTS

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) consulted for an average time of 33.4 and 27.4 minutes for new and established patients respectively in our observations. Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) on the other hand spent 34.5 and 37 minutes for new and established patients respectively. The greatest time spent during any segment of the consultation was during documentation, which averaged 10 minutes per patient.

CONCLUSION

Our study found that consultation times at Shalamar Hospital's rheumatology clinic align with international guidelines. Implementing a triaging method could optimize resource allocation, while entrusting specialist nurses with stable patient follow-ups could enhance patient flow and provision of health education.

The Role of the Nurse in the Care and Management of Patients with Rheumatic Diseases Arising from the Current EULAR Recommendations: A Literature Review

In some countries, restructuring of the healthcare system has contributed to the introduction of a new domain in professional nursing-the Advanced Practice Nurse (APN). In order to provide the highest quality of care to patients, nurses working at the advanced level are expected to develop knowledge and to initiate services and practices carried out in collaboration with other professionals. In 2018, the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) updated its recommendations for the role of the nurse in the management and care of patients with rheumatic conditions. The objective of the study was a presentation of the scope of medical services provided by nurses for patients with rheumatic diseases based on current EULAR recommendations. A review of the literature on the participation of nurses, as members of a multidisciplinary team, in the education, management, psychosocial support, and promotion of self-care in patients with rheumatic diseases was presented. The expert group formulated three overarching principles and eight recommendations. The literature review and expert recommendations indicated that nurses' tasks in relation to patients with rheumatic diseases should include an initial assessment of health needs, routine follow-up care, and counseling for patients on self-care and lifestyle changes. In the EULAR recommendations, nursing care is also defined as a practice model in which nurses, in collaboration with physicians, provide support, education, and disease monitoring to patients with rheumatic conditions. The requirement for extended nursing education at the advanced practice level, aimed at acquiring diagnostic, therapeutic, caring, and educational knowledge and skills was highlighted, particularly with regard to the EULAR recommendations.

Efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions: a systematic review informing the 2023 EULAR recommendations for the management of fatigue in people with inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases

OBJECTIVE

To identify the best evidence on the efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions in reducing fatigue in people with inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (I-RMDs) and to summarise their safety in the identified studies to inform European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology recommendations for the management of fatigue in people with I-RMDs.

METHODS

Systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) including adults with I-RMDs conducted according to the Cochrane Handbook. Search strategy ran in Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL Complete, PEDro, OTseeker and PsycINFO. Assessment of risk of bias, data extraction and synthesis were performed by two reviewers independently. Data were pooled in meta-analyses.

RESULTS

From a total of 4150 records, 454 were selected for full-text review, 82 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and 55 RCTs were included in meta-analyses. Physical activity or exercise was efficacious in reducing fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (standardised mean differences (SMD)=-0.23, 95% CI=-0.37 to -0.1), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (SMD=-0.54, 95% CI=-1.07 to -0.01) and spondyloarthritis (SMD=-0.94, 95% CI=-1.23 to -0.66); reduction of fatigue was not significant in Sjögren's syndrome (SMD=-0.83, 95% CI=-2.13 to 0.47) and systemic sclerosis (SMD=-0.66, 95% CI=-1.33 to 0.02). Psychoeducational interventions were efficacious in reducing fatigue in RA (SMD=-0.32, 95% CI=-0.48 to -0.16), but not in SLE (SMD=-0.19, 95% CI=-0.46 to 0.09). Follow-up models in consultations (SMD=-0.05, 95% CI=-0.29 to 0.20) and multicomponent interventions (SMD=-0.20, 95% CI=-0.53 to 0.14) did not show significant reductions of fatigue in RA. The results of RCTs not included in the meta-analysis suggest that several other non-pharmacological interventions may provide a reduction of fatigue, with reassuring safety results.

CONCLUSIONS

Physica activity or exercise and psychoeducational interventions are efficacious and safe for managing fatigue in people with I-RMDs.

A scoping review of shared care models for rheumatoid arthritis with patient-initiated follow-up

OBJECTIVE

An emerging strategy to address access challenges to rheumatologists for patients with RA is shared care between primary and specialist care, with patient-initiated rheumatologist follow-up as needed. The objective of this scoping review was to explore studies implementing this model of care.

METHODS

Four electronic databases were searched from 01/01/2000-31/03/2022 using three main concepts (RA, shared care, patient-initiated follow-up). English-language studies of any design were included if they described the implementation and/or outcomes of shared care model for RA with patient-initiated follow-up. Two authors reviewed and selected articles in duplicate and extracted data on study characteristics, care model implementation and outcomes according to a pre-specified protocol.

RESULTS

Following duplicate removal, 1578 articles were screened for inclusion and 58 underwent full-text review. Sixteen articles were included, representing 10 unique studies. Five studies had qualitative outcomes and two were pre-implementation studies. Model implementation varied significantly between studies. Effectiveness data was available in 10 studies and demonstrated equivalent outcomes for the model of care (disease activity, radiographic damage, quality of life). Health system costs were equivalent or lower than usual care. While satisfaction with care was equivalent or improved in shared care models with patient-initiated follow-up, some concerns were expressed in qualitative evaluation around appropriate patient selection for such models, and information for health equity evaluation was not reported.

CONCLUSIONS

While shared care models with patient-initiated follow-up may offer comparable outcomes for RA, further work is required to understand patient preferences, health equity considerations and longer-term outcomes for such models of care.

Probability of Medication Intensifications in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients With Low Disease Activity Scores on Their Patient-Reported Outcomes: A Medical-Records Review Study

BACKGROUND

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis require frequent consultations to monitor disease activity and intensify medication when treatment targets are not met. However, because most patients are in remission during follow-up, it should be possible to reduce the number of consultations for them. Electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePROs) could be used to identify patients who meet their treatment goal and who could therefore be eligible to skip their visit.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the probability that patients with low disease activity scores on their ePROs do not need a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) or steroid intensification in the first 2 weeks after completion of the ePROs.

METHODS

This medical-records review study compared results of ePROs answered during routine care with DMARD or steroid intensifications collected from anonymized electronic medical record at Reade. The primary outcome was the positive predictive value (PPV) of having a low disease activity score on an ePRO for not receiving a DMARD or steroid intensifications within 2 weeks. The 3 studied ePROs (and respective low disease activity outcome) were the Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3 (RAPID3) (score <2), Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) (yes), and the flare question (no). The secondary aim of the study was to assess which combination of ePROs resulted in the best PPV for DMARD or steroid intensifications.

RESULTS

Of the 400 randomly selected records, ultimately 321 were included (302 unique patients). The PPV of a RAPID3 <2, being in PASS, and a negative answer on the flare question were, respectively, 99%, 95%, and 83% to not receive a DMARD or steroid intensification within 2 weeks. The combination of a RAPID3 <2 and a negative flare question resulted in a PPV of 100%; this combination was present in 29% (93/321) of the total study population.

CONCLUSION

The RAPID3, PASS, and flare question have a high diagnostic accuracy to identify individuals who will not receive a DMARD or steroid intensification in the following 2 weeks. The combination of the RAPID3 and flare question yielded the best combination of diagnostic accuracy and highest percentage of patients who could be eligible to skip a visit. These results suggest that accurate identification of patients who meet their treatment goal with ePROs is possible.

Smartphone-Assisted Patient-Initiated Care Versus Usual Care in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis and Low Disease Activity: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

We developed a smartphone application for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) that allows them to self-monitor their disease activity in between clinic visits by answering a weekly Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3. This study was undertaken to assess the safety (noninferiority in the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints using the erythrocyte sedimentation rate [DAS28-ESR]) and efficacy (reduction in number of visits) of patient-initiated care assisted using a smartphone app, compared to usual care.

METHODS

A 12-month, randomized, noninferiority clinical trial was conducted in RA patients with low disease activity and without treatment changes in the past 6 months. Patients were randomized 1:1 to either app-supported patient-initiated care with a scheduled follow-up consultation after a year (app intervention group) or usual care. The coprimary outcome measures were noninferiority in terms of change in DAS28-ESR score after 12 months and the ratio of the mean number of consultations with rheumatologists between the groups. The noninferiority limit was 0.5 difference in DAS28-ESR between the groups.

RESULTS

Of the 103 randomized patients, 102 completed the study. After a year, noninferiority in terms of the DAS28-ESR score was established, as the 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of the mean ΔDAS28-ESR between the groups was within the noninferiority limit: -0.04 in favor of the app intervention group (95% CI -0.39, 0.30). The number of rheumatologist consultations was significantly lower in the app intervention group compared to the usual care group (mean ± SD 1.7 ± 1.8 versus 2.8 ± 1.4; visit ratio 0.62 [95% CI 0.47, 0.81]).

CONCLUSION

Patient-initiated care supported by smartphone self-monitoring was noninferior to usual care in terms of the ΔDAS28-ESR and led to a 38% reduction in rheumatologist consultations in RA patients with stable low disease activity.

Trampisch H, Braun J. The Structured Delegation of Medical Care Services for Patients With Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases

BACKGROUND

In some areas of Germany, there is a shortage of specialist physicians for patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Delegating certain medical care services to qualified, specialized rheumatological assistants (SRAs) might be an effective way to supplement the available capacity for specialized medical care.

METHODS

Patients under stable treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or psoriatic arthritis (PsA) were included in this trial, which was designed to demonstrate, in a first step, the non-inferiority of a form of care involving delegation of physicians' tasks to SRAs (team-based care), in comparison to standard care, with respect to changes in disease activity at one year. "Non-inferiority," in this context, means either superiority or else an irrelevant extent of inferiority. In a second step, in case non-inferiority could be shown, the superiority of team-based care with respect to changes in patients' health-related quality of life would be tested as well. Disease activity was measured with the Disease Activity Score 28, and health-related quality of life with the EQ-5D-5L. This was a randomized, multicenter, rater-blinded trial with two treatment arms (team-based care and standard care). The statistical analysis was performed with mixed linear models (DRKS00015526).

RESULTS

From September 2018 to June 2019, 601 patients from 14 rheumatological practices and 3 outpatient rheumatological clinics in the German states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony were randomized to either team-based or standard care. Team-based care was found to be non-inferior to standard care with respect to changes in disease activity (adjusted difference = -0.19; 95% confidence interval [-0.36; -0.02]; p <0.001 for non-inferiority). Superiority with respect to health-related quality of life was not demonstrated (adjusted difference = 0.02 [-0.02; 0.05], p = 0.285).

CONCLUSION

Team-based care, with greater integration of SRAs, is just as good as standard care in important respects. Trained SRAs can effectively support rheumatologists in the care of stable patients with RA or PsA.

The impact of introducing multidisciplinary care assessments on access to rheumatology care in British Columbia: an interrupted time series analysis

Background

In 2011 the British Columbia (BC) Ministry of Health introduced a new fee-for-service billing code that allowed “Multidisciplinary Care Assessment” (MCA). This change has the potential to change access to and quality of care for patients. This study aimed to explore the impact on access to rheumatology services in the province.

Methods

Fee-for-service rheumatology billings were evaluated for each rheumatologist 2 years before and after use of the MCA code. Numbers of 1) unique patients and 2) services provided per month were used as proxy measures of access to care. A multiple-baseline interrupted time series model assessed the impact of the MCA on levels and trends of the access outcomes.

Results

Our analysis consisted of 82,360 patients cared for by 26 rheumatologists who billed for an MCA. In our primary analysis we observed a sustained increase in the mean number of unique patients of 4.9% (95% CI: 0.0% to 9.9%, p = 0.049) and the mean number of services of 7.1% (95% CI: 1.0% to 13.6%, (p = 0.021), per month provided by a rheumatologist, corresponding to the initial use of MCA.

Conclusion

The introduction of the MCA code was associated with an initial increase in the measures of access, which was maintained but did not increase over time. Our study suggests that the use of Multidisciplinary Care Assessment can contribute to expanding and/or sustaining access to care for people with complex chronic conditions, like rheumatic diseases.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-07715-x.

Identification of Five Quality Needs for Rheumatology (Text Analysis and Literature Review)

Background: While the use of the term "quality" in industry relates to the basic idea of making processes measurable and standardizing processes, medicine focuses on achieving health goals that go far beyond the mere implementation of diagnostic and therapeutic processes. However, the quality management systems used are often simple, self-created concepts that concentrate on administrative processes without considering the quality of the results, which is essential for the patient. For several rheumatic diseases, both outcome and treatment goals have been defined. This work summarizes current mainstreams of strategies with published quality efforts in rheumatology. Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were used to search for studies, and additional manual searches were carried out. Screening and content evaluation were carried out using the PRISMA-P 2015 checklist. After duplicate search in the Endnote reference management software (version X9.1), the software Rayyan QCRI (https://rayyan.qcri.org) was applied to check for pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Abstracts and full texts were screened and rated using Voyant Tools (https://voyant-tools.org/). Key issues were identified using the collocate analysis. Results: The number of selected publications was small but specific (14 relevant correlations with coefficients >0.8). Using trend analysis, 15 publications with relative frequency of keywords >0.0125 were used for content analysis, revealing 5 quality needs. The treat to target (T2T) initiative was identified as fundamental paradigm. Outcome parameters required for T2T also allow quality assessments in routine clinical work. Quality care by multidisciplinary teams also focusing on polypharmacy and other quality aspects become essential, A global software platform to assess quality aspects is missing. Such an approach requires reporting of multiple outcome parameters according to evidence-based clinical guidelines and recommendations for the different rheumatic diseases. All health aspects defined by the WHO (physical, mental, and social health) have to be integrated into the management of rheumatic patients. Conclusion: For the future, quality projects need goals defined by T2T based initiatives in routine clinical work, secondary quality goals include multidisciplinary cooperation and reduction of polypharmacy. Quality indicators and standards in different health systems will provide new information to optimize patients' care in different health systems.

Effect of nurse-led care on outcomes in patients with ACPA/RF-positive rheumatoid arthritis with active disease undergoing treat-to-target: a multicentre randomised controlled trial

Objective

To determine the non-inferiority of nurse-led care (NLC) in patients with anticitrullinated protein antibody (ACPA)-positive and/or rheumatoid factor (RF)-positive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with active disease who are starting disease-modifying antirheumatic drug therapy, following treat-to-target (T2T) recommendations.

Methods

A multicentre, pragmatic randomised controlled trial was conducted to assess clinical effectiveness, anxiety, depression and patient satisfaction following a non-inferiority design. The participants were 224 adults with ACPA/RF-positive RA who were randomly assigned to either NLC or rheumatologist-led care (RLC). The primary outcome was the Disease Activity Score in 28 Joints measured with C reactive protein (DAS28-CRP) assessed at baseline and after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. A DAS28-CRP difference of 0.6 was set as the non-inferiority margin. Mean differences between the groups were assessed following per-protocol and intention-to-treat strategies.

Results

Demographic data and baseline characteristics of patients in the NLC group (n=111) were comparable to those of patients in the RLC group (n=113). The improvement in disease activity (change in DAS28-CRP, primary outcome) over the course of 12 months was significant in both groups (p<0.001). No significant differences were observed between the NLC and RLC groups (p=0.317). Non-inferiority of NLC was shown for the primary outcome and all secondary outcomes.

Conclusion

This study supported the non-inferiority of NLC in managing T2T and follow-up care of patients with RA with moderate to high disease activity and poor prognostic factors in addition to RLC.

Trial registration number

DRKS00013055.

Intensive therapy for moderate established rheumatoid arthritis: the TITRATE research programme

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis is a major inflammatory disorder and causes substantial disability. Treatment goals span minimising disease activity, achieving remission and decreasing disability. In active rheumatoid arthritis, intensive management achieves these goals. As many patients with established rheumatoid arthritis have moderate disease activity, the TITRATE (Treatment Intensities and Targets in Rheumatoid Arthritis ThErapy) programme assessed the benefits of intensive management.

Objectives

To (1) define how to deliver intensive therapy in moderate established rheumatoid arthritis; (2) establish its clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness in a trial; and (3) evaluate evidence supporting intensive management in observational studies and completed trials.

Design

Observational studies, secondary analyses of completed trials and systematic reviews assessed existing evidence about intensive management. Qualitative research, patient workshops and systematic reviews defined how to deliver it. The trial assessed its clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness in moderate established rheumatoid arthritis.

Setting

Observational studies (in three London centres) involved 3167 patients. These were supplemented by secondary analyses of three previously completed trials (in centres across all English regions), involving 668 patients. Qualitative studies assessed expectations (nine patients in four London centres) and experiences of intensive management (15 patients in 10 centres across England). The main clinical trial enrolled 335 patients with diverse socioeconomic deprivation and ethnicity (in 39 centres across all English regions).

Participants

Patients with established moderately active rheumatoid arthritis receiving conventional disease-modifying drugs.

Interventions

Intensive management used combinations of conventional disease-modifying drugs, biologics (particularly tumour necrosis factor inhibitors) and depot steroid injections; nurses saw patients monthly, adjusted treatment and provided supportive person-centred psychoeducation. Control patients received standard care.

Main outcome measures

Disease Activity Score for 28 joints based on the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR)-categorised patients (active to remission). Remission (DAS28-ESR < 2.60) was the treatment target. Other outcomes included fatigue (measured on a 100-mm visual analogue scale), disability (as measured on the Health Assessment Questionnaire), harms and resource use for economic assessments.

Results

Evaluation of existing evidence for intensive rheumatoid arthritis management showed the following. First, in observational studies, DAS28-ESR scores decreased over 10–20 years, whereas remissions and treatment intensities increased. Second, in systematic reviews of published trials, all intensive management strategies increased remissions. Finally, patients with high disability scores had fewer remissions. Qualitative studies of rheumatoid arthritis patients, workshops and systematic reviews helped develop an intensive management pathway. A 2-day training session for rheumatology practitioners explained its use, including motivational interviewing techniques and patient handbooks. The trial screened 459 patients and randomised 335 patients (168 patients received intensive management and 167 patients received standard care). A total of 303 patients provided 12-month outcome data. Intention-to-treat analysis showed intensive management increased DAS28-ESR 12-month remissions, compared with standard care (32% vs. 18%, odds ratio 2.17, 95% confidence interval 1.28 to 3.68; p = 0.004), and reduced fatigue [mean difference –18, 95% confidence interval –24 to –11 (scale 0–100); p < 0.001]. Disability (as measured on the Health Assessment Questionnaire) decreased when intensive management patients achieved remission (difference –0.40, 95% confidence interval –0.57 to –0.22) and these differences were considered clinically relevant. However, in all intensive management patients reductions in the Health Assessment Questionnaire scores were less marked (difference –0.1, 95% confidence interval –0.2 to 0.0). The numbers of serious adverse events (intensive management n = 15 vs. standard care n = 11) and other adverse events (intensive management n = 114 vs. standard care n = 151) were similar. Economic analysis showed that the base-case incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was £43,972 from NHS and Personal Social Services cost perspectives. The probability of meeting a willingness-to-pay threshold of £30,000 was 17%. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio decreased to £29,363 after including patients’ personal costs and lost working time, corresponding to a 50% probability that intensive management is cost-effective at English willingness-to-pay thresholds. Analysing trial baseline predictors showed that remission predictors comprised baseline DAS28-ESR, disability scores and body mass index. A 6-month extension study (involving 95 intensive management patients) showed fewer remissions by 18 months, although more sustained remissions were more likley to persist. Qualitative research in trial completers showed that intensive management was acceptable and treatment support from specialist nurses was beneficial.

Limitations

The main limitations comprised (1) using single time point remissions rather than sustained responses, (2) uncertainty about benefits of different aspects of intensive management and differences in its delivery across centres, (3) doubts about optimal treatment of patients unresponsive to intensive management and (4) the lack of formal international definitions of ‘intensive management’.

Conclusion

The benefits of intensive management need to be set against its additional costs. These were relatively high. Not all patients benefited. Patients with high pretreatment physical disability or who were substantially overweight usually did not achieve remission.

Future work

Further research should (1) identify the most effective components of the intervention, (2) consider its most cost-effective delivery and (3) identify alternative strategies for patients not responding to intensive management.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN70160382.

Funding

This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Programme Grants for Applied Research programme and will be published in full in Programme Grants for Applied Research; Vol. 9, No. 8. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

An Advanced Clinician Practitioner in Arthritis Care (ACPAC) Maintains a Positive Patient Experience While Increasing Capacity in Rheumatology Community Care

Purpose

This study describes patient care experiences of solo-rheumatologist and co-managed care models utilizing an Advanced Clinician Practitioner in Arthritis Care-trained Extended Role Practitioner (ACPAC-ERP) in three community rheumatology practices.

Materials and Methods

Patients with inflammatory arthritis (IA) were assigned to care provided by one of three (2 senior, 1 early-career) community-based rheumatologists (usual care), or an ACPAC-ERP (co-managed care) for the 6-months following diagnosis. Patient experiences were surveyed using validated measures of patient satisfaction (Patient Doctor Interaction Scale-PDIS), global ratings of confidence and satisfaction, referral patterns, disease activity (RADAI) and self-perceived disability (HAQ-Disability) as well as demographic information. Practice capacity was evaluated 18-months prior to, and across, the study period.

Results

Of 55 participants (mean age 56.6 years, 61.8% female), 33 received co-managed care. Most participants were diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (65.5%) with a median symptom duration of 1.1 years. At 6-months, patients from both models of care were equally satisfied in terms of the information provided (usual care 4.6 vs co-managed care 4.7/5=greater satisfaction), rapport with health-care provider (4.6 vs 4.6/5) and having needs met (4.7 vs 4.5/5). Overall satisfaction was high (87.2 vs 85.3/100=completely satisfied) as was confidence in the system by which care was received (85.0 vs 82.1/100=completely confident). Usual care patients reported higher perceived disability than co-managed patients (HAQ-Disability 0.5 vs 0.2/3=unable to do). Significant differences in overall RADAI score (p=0.014) were found between the two models. The senior rheumatologist, with a previously saturated practice, attained a 37% capacity increase for new patients utilizing the co-managed care model.

Conclusion

The ACPAC-ERP model was equivalent to the solo-rheumatologist model with regard to patient experience and satisfaction. A co-management model utilizing a highly trained ACPAC-ERP can increase capacity in community rheumatology clinics for patients newly diagnosed with IA while maintaining confidence and satisfaction with their care.

Nurse-led consultations for patients with rheumatoid arthritis at low disease activity- a randomized non-inferiority trial

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effectiveness of nurse-led consultations in patients with stable rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Hong Kong.

METHOD

This is a single-centre, randomized, open-label, non-inferiority trial. RA patients with low disease activity (LDA) were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to nurse-led consultation or rheumatologist follow-up for 2 years. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who remained at LDA. Secondary endpoints included the proportion of patients in disease remission and the scores of Leeds satisfaction questionnaire (LSQ) at 2 years, changes from baseline in DAS28-CRP, modified Total Sharp Score (mTSS), Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI), Short Form 36-item (SF-36) physical component score and Compliance Questionnaire of Rheumatology 19-item (CQR-19) score.

RESULTS

Among 280 patients who were randomized equally to either nurse-led consultation or rheumatologist follow-up, 267 patients completed the study. 92.1% and 91.4% patients remained at LDA at 2 years in nurse-led consultation and rheumatologist follow-up group, respectively. The 95% confidence intervals (CI) of the adjusted treatment difference were within the pre-defined non-inferiority margin in both the intention-to-treat analysis (95% CI -5.75, 7.15) and the per-protocol analysis (95% CI -1.67, 7.47). Although the changes in DAS28-CRP over 2 years were significantly different between the 2 treatment groups (p<0.001), there were no significant changes from baseline in mTSS, HAQ-DI, SF-36 physical component scores and CQR-19 scores. At the end of the study, more patients expressed satisfaction with nurse-led consultations.

CONCLUSION

Nurse-led consultation is not inferior to rheumatologist follow-up in patients with stable RA.

Patient-controlled outpatient follow-up on demand for patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a 2-year randomized controlled trial

Introduction

Scheduled routine visits in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may be in a stable period without active disease. Consequently, there is a demand for developing outpatient control procedures which cater to the needs of the individual patient.

Objective

This study aims to compare a patient-controlled outpatient follow-up system, Open Outpatient Clinic Programme (OOCP), with traditional scheduled routine follow-up (TSRF) regarding patient satisfaction and disease activity markers in RA patients.

Method

In a 2-year randomized controlled trial, RA patients were allocated to OOCP or TSRF. OOCP patients had no scheduled appointments but were allowed acute appointments with their rheumatologist and had access to nurse-led consultations and a telephone helpline. Appointments for the TSRF group were scheduled according to routine procedures (clinical parameters: DAS-28, C-reactive protein, VAS pain, tender and swollen joint count, HAQ-DI and radiographs; psychological parameters: VAS patient satisfaction and EQ-5D).

Results

Of 282 patients, 239 completed the study (OOCP/TSRF characteristics: age 61.4 ± 10.5/60.9 ± 12.2 years, females 77/74%, ACPA positive 66/65%). At years 1 and 2, OCCP had fewer visits (year 2: 2.6 ± 1.6 vs. 3.5 ± 2; p < 0.0005) but more phone calls (year 2: 0.7 ± 1.4 vs. 0.1 ± 0.3; p < 0.0005) compared to TSRF. OOCP was comparable to TSRF regarding clinical and psychological outcome measures, and no radiographic progression was observed.

Conclusions

OOCP was associated with significantly fewer visits but with more phone calls to the nurse and was comparable with TSGentofte University HospitalRF regarding clinical, psychological and radiographic outcomes. Thus, the organization of outpatient care according to OOCP may be applied to strengthen patient-centred care in patients with RA.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier (July 20, 2020): NCT04476875

Key points • In a patient-controlled outpatient follow-up system, RA patients had significantly fewer visits compared to traditional follow-up. • The patient-controlled follow-up system was comparable with traditional follow-up regarding clinical, psychological and radiographic outcomes. • Organization of outpatient care according to a patient-controlled follow-up system may be applied to strengthen patient-centred care in patients with RA.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10067-021-05674-y.

A patient-initiated DMARD self-monitoring service for people with rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis: a cost-effectiveness analysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether a patient-initiated DMARD self-monitoring service for people on MTX is a cost-effective model of care for patients with RA or PsA.

METHODS

An economic evaluation was undertaken alongside a randomized controlled trial involving 100 patients. Outcome measures were quality of life and ESR assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Costs were calculated for healthcare usage using a United Kingdom National Health Service economic perspective. Sensitivity analysis was performed to explore the impact of nurse-led telephone helplines. Uncertainty around the cost-effectiveness ratios was estimated by bootstrapping and analysing the cost-effectiveness planes.

RESULTS

Fifty-two patients received the intervention and 48 usual care. The difference in mean cost per case indicated that the intervention was £263 more expensive (P < 0.001; 95% CI: £149.14, £375.86) when the helpline costs were accounted for and £94 cheaper (P = 0.08; 95% CI: -£199.26, £10.41) when these costs were absorbed by the usual service. There were, however, statistically significant savings for the patient (P = 0.02; 95% CI: -£28.98, £3.00). When costs and effectiveness measures of ESR and quality of life measured, using the Short Form-12v1, were combined this did not show the patient-initiated service to be cost-effective at a statistically significant level.

CONCLUSION

This patient-initiated service led to reductions in primary and secondary healthcare services that translated into reduced costs, in comparison with usual care, but were not cost-effective. Further work is needed to establish how nurse-led telephone triage services are integrated into rheumatology services and the associated costs of setting up and delivering them.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, http://clinicaltrials.gov, ISRCTN21613721.

[Delegation of medical tasks in rheumatology]

Modern rheumatology enables better and earlier diagnosis and therapy of inflammatory rheumatic system diseases. At the same time, the requirements for the care of rheumatologic patients have risen considerably for non-medical assistant professions and specialists for nursing professions. Since 2006 there has been established an education curriculum "Rheumatological Specialist Assistant DGRh-BDRh" (RFA) with the training to become a "Rheumatological Specialist Assistant (DGRh-BDRh)". In Europe and in parallel in Germany, assistant professions are increasingly involved in the early detection and care of patients with rheumatic diseases and entrusted with tasks.In this work, the overarching principles for delegation of medical tasks to RFA and recommendations for the delegation are published by the Commission for Delegation of the German Society for Rheumatology (DGRh). These recommendations are based on the requirements of the German Medical Association and have been legally evaluated. With the extension of the training of the RFA board certification is aimed for "MFA for Rheumatology". These recommendations enable more transparency and security for delegating doctors and the delegated RFA's.

Nurse-led care for the management of rheumatoid arthritis: a review of the global literature and proposed strategies for implementation in Africa and the Middle East

Globally, increasing demand for rheumatology services has led to a greater reliance on non-physician healthcare professionals (HCPs), such as rheumatology nurse specialists, to deliver care as part of a multidisciplinary team. Across Africa and the Middle East (AfME), there remains a shortage of rheumatology HCPs, including rheumatology nurses, which presents a major challenge to the delivery of rheumatology services, and subsequently the treatment and management of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To further explore the importance of nurse-led care (NLC) for patients with RA and create a set of proposed strategies for the implementation of NLC in the AfME region, we used a modified Delphi technique. A review of the global literature was conducted using the PubMed search engine, with the most relevant publications selected. The findings were summarized and presented to the author group, which was composed of representatives from different countries and HCP disciplines. The authors also drew on their knowledge of the wider literature to provide context. Overall, results suggest that NLC is associated with improved patient perceptions of RA care, and equivalent or superior clinical and cost outcomes versus physician-led care in RA disease management. Expert commentary provided by the authors gives insights into the challenges of implementing nurse-led RA care. We further report practical proposed strategies for the development and implementation of NLC for patients with RA, specifically in the AfME region. These proposed strategies aim to act as a foundation for the introduction and development of NLC programs across the AfME region.

Which Interventions Enhance Pain Self-efficacy in People With Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain? A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials, Including Over 12 000 Participants

OBJECTIVE

To find out which interventions enhance pain self-efficacy in people with chronic musculoskeletal pain and to evaluate the reporting of interventions designed to enhance pain self-efficacy.

DESIGN

Intervention systematic review with meta-analysis.

LITERATURE SEARCH

PubMed, Embase, Scopus, PsycINFO, CINAHL, PEDro, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from inception up to September 2019.

STUDY SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized controlled trials evaluating pain self-efficacy as a primary or secondary outcome in chronic musculoskeletal pain.

DATA SYNTHESIS

We used the Cochrane risk of bias tool and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach to evaluate the risk of bias and the certainty of the evidence, respectively.

RESULTS

Sixty randomized controlled trials were included (12 415 participants). There was a small effect of multicomponent, psychological, and exercise interventions improving pain self-efficacy at follow-ups of 0 to 3 months, a small effect of exercise and multicomponent interventions enhancing pain self-efficacy at follow-ups of 4 to 6 months, and a small effect of multicomponent interventions improving pain self-efficacy at follow-ups of 7 to 12 months. No interventions improved pain self-efficacy after 12 months. Self-management interventions did not improve pain self-efficacy at any follow-up time. Risk of bias, the nature of the control group, and the instrument to assess pain self-efficacy moderated the effects of psychological therapies at follow-ups of 7 to 12 months. The certainty of the evidence for all included interventions was low, due to serious risk of bias and indirectness. No trial reported the intervention in sufficient detail to allow full replication.

CONCLUSION

There was low-quality evidence of a small effect of multicomponent exercise and psychological interventions improving pain self-efficacy in people with chronic musculoskeletal pain. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2020;50(8):418-430. doi:10.2519/jospt.2020.9319.

Patient-Initiated Follow-Up (PIFU) as reorganized support for increased patient involvement - focus group discussions among patients' with inflammatory arthritis

Background

Inflammatory Arthritis is characterized by lifelong medical treatment and an unpredictable trajectory because of the fluctuating nature of the diseases. Proactive disease management is recommended, which includes close monitoring of disease activity that traditionally has been ensured by outpatient visits to rheumatologists at various fixed intervals. Internationally, there is a growing interest in how healthcare systems can be more flexible, individual-oriented and increasingly involve patients with lifelong diseases in their own treatment and care. We aimed to explore how patients with Inflammatory Arthritis with low disease activity or remission (DAS-CRP < 2.9) experience patient involvement in a reorganized follow-up care based on flexibility and patient-initiated contact.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study based on four mixed group discussions focused on patients with inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis [n = 21], axial spondyloarthritis [n = 3] and psoriatic arthritis [n = 1]) participating in a reorganized follow-up care. Changes in follow-up included access to a nurse and patient-initiated follow-up (PIFU). The analysis was based on content analysis. The reporting adheres to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ).

Results

In total, 25 patients (20 females (80%), mean age 61.8 [range 28–79]) participated. We identified three categories. 1) Patient-Initiated Follow-Up do not affect patients’ perceived support in disease control; this refers to patients’ experience of more time available through better resource utilization, as well as trust that access to professional support would be available whenever needed. The category 2) Information is valued by patients to delineate responsibilities in a new patient role reflects patients’ uncertainty in the transition to PIFU, combined with confusion about the distribution of responsibilities. 3) Patients need both extended perspectives of their arthritis and focused dialogue is about expanding patients’ understanding of their arthritis by interaction over time with both a rheumatologist and a rheumatology nurse in a focused dialogue to involve the patient.

Conclusions

Patients participating in PIFU welcome the flexibility and involvement. However, patients need relevant information to act adequately within a new patient role. Interaction with both rheumatologists and nurses, combined with sufficient time for dialogue, broaden patients’ perspective, make opportunities for action visible, and contribute to patients’ ability to participate in follow-up care.

Alternative care providers in rheumatoid arthritis patient care: a queueing and simulation analysis

Patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis require lifelong monitoring by a rheumatologist. Initiation of the disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug therapy within twelve weeks of the onset of symptoms is crucial to prevent joint damage and functional disability. We examine the impact of the engagement of alternate care providers (ACP) in alleviating delay due to limited rheumatologist capacity. Using queueing theory and discrete-event simulation, we model rheumatologist-only and rheumatologist-with-ACP system configurations as closed, multi-class queueing networks with class switching.Using summary data from an actual rheumatology clinic for illustration, we analyze various parameter conditions to aid clinic managers and policymakers in decisions concerning capacity allocations and feasible patient panel size that impact timeliness of care and resource utilization.Results not only confirm that a substantial increase in RA patient panel size with an ACP involved in the care of follow-up patients but also demonstrates the boundaries for feasible panel sizes and workload allocation.

Patient and clinician views on an app for rheumatoid arthritis disease monitoring: Function, implementation and implications

AIM

Best practice management for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) involves regular clinical assessment of RA disease activity. This is not achievable with current rheumatology systems of care. We aimed to use opinions from people with RA and their specialist rheumatology healthcare professionals to inform development of a mobile app for people with RA for recording their disease activity data for potential integration into clinical service, and assess usability of the app.

METHOD

In phase 1 we interviewed nine people with RA and seven healthcare professionals. In phase 2 we developed an app with professional software developers. In phase 3 we evaluated app usability for people with RA using the System Usability Scale (SUS).

RESULTS

Interview data showed four themes regarding functionality and implementation of a patient-held app in RA care: (a) variable app acceptance and readiness; (b) app use to reduce barriers; (c) pros and cons of patient-reported outcomes; and (d) allocation of clinics by need. The app developed has high usability in people with RA using the app on their own device for a month (SUS 79.5, n = 16) or using the app on a study device for 10 minutes (SUS 83, n = 100).

CONCLUSION

People with RA and healthcare professionals have clearly identified features, benefits and risks of an app for self-assessment of RA and incorporation into clinical care. An app developed informed by these opinions has high usability. Next steps are development and validation of a method of patient-performed joint counts, and implementation, with evaluation, in the clinical setting.

Patient Perception of Cardiovascular Risk in Rheumatoid Arthritis

OBJECTIVE

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have higher incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) compared with age- and sex-matched controls. The objective of our study was to measure the knowledge of patients with RA about the association between their disease and cardiovascular (CV) risk and to measure the frequency of counseling by physicians based on patient report.

METHODS

A telephone survey was conducted among patients with RA enrolled in the Consortium of Rheumatology Researchers of North America RA registry to collect data on medical and social history and on knowledge about CVD risk in RA and how they learned about that risk. Multivariable logistic regression models were performed to determine the factors associated with patients' knowledge and factors influencing likelihood of physician counseling. The odds ratios (ORs) represent adjusted multivariable results.

RESULTS

Of 185 patients with RA included in the study, 87 patients (47%) were aware that RA was a CV risk factor. Older age (OR 0.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.4-0.8 per decade) and smoking (OR 0.4; 95% CI 0.1-0.9) were associated with low awareness, whereas disease duration of more than 10 years (OR 5.2; 95% CI 2.2-12.1) was positively associated with patient knowledge. Counseling by physicians, mostly rheumatologists, on CV risk in RA was reported by 47 patients (25%). Disease duration of more than 10 years (OR 3.9; 95% CI 1.2-13.1) was positively associated with patient-reported counseling. Patients with hypertension were less likely to report counseling (OR 0.4; 95% CI 0.2-0.9).

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated low patient awareness of CV risk with RA and low rates of patient-reported counseling by physicians. This is an unmet need in clinical practice, which may be overcome by multimodal approaches such as developing websites, organizing symposiums, and involving health care providers at various levels.

Patient-initiated appointment systems for adults with chronic conditions in secondary care

BACKGROUND

Missed hospital outpatient appointments is a commonly reported problem in healthcare services around the world; for example, they cost the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK millions of pounds every year and can cause operation and scheduling difficulties worldwide. In 2002, the World Health Organization (WHO) published a report highlighting the need for a model of care that more readily meets the needs of people with chronic conditions. Patient-initiated appointment systems may be able to meet this need at the same time as improving the efficiency of hospital appointments.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of patient-initiated appointment systems compared with consultant-led appointment systems for people with chronic or recurrent conditions managed in secondary care.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, and six other databases. We contacted authors of identified studies and conducted backwards and forwards citation searching. We searched for current/ongoing research in two trial registers. Searches were run on 13 March 2019.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised trials, published and unpublished in any language that compared the use of patient-initiated appointment systems to consultant-led appointment systems for adults with chronic or recurrent conditions managed in secondary care if they reported one or more of the following outcomes: physical measures of health status or disease activity (including harms), quality of life, service utilisation or cost, adverse effects, patient or clinician satisfaction, or failures of the 'system'.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently screened all references at title/abstract stage and full-text stage using prespecified inclusion criteria. We resolved disagreements though discussion. Two review authors independently completed data extraction for all included studies. We discussed and resolved discrepancies with a third review author. Where needed, we contacted authors of included papers to provide more information. Two review authors independently assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care 'Risk of bias' tool, resolving any discrepancies with a third review author. Two review authors independently assessed the certainty of the evidence using GRADE.

MAIN RESULTS

The 17 included randomised trials (3854 participants; mean age 41 to 76 years; follow-up 12 to 72 months) covered six broad health conditions: cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease. The certainty of the evidence using GRADE ratings was mainly low to very low. The results suggest that patient-initiated clinics may make little or no difference to anxiety (odds ratio (OR) 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.68 to 1.12; 5 studies, 1019 participants; low-certainty evidence) or depression (OR 0.79 95% CI 0.51 to 1.23; 6 studies, 1835 participants; low-certainty evidence) compared to the consultant-led appointment system. The results also suggest that patient-initiated clinics may make little or no difference to quality of life (standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.12, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.25; 7 studies, 1486 participants; low-certainty evidence) compared to the consultant-led appointment system. Results for service utilisation (contacts) suggest there may be little or no difference in service utilisation in terms of contacts between the patient-initiated and consultant-led appointment groups; however, the effect is not certain as the rate ratio ranged from 0.68 to 3.83 across the studies (median rate ratio 1.11, interquartile (IQR) 0.93 to 1.37; 15 studies, 3348 participants; low-certainty evidence). It is uncertain if service utilisation (costs) are reduced in the patient-initiated compared to the consultant-led appointment groups (8 studies, 2235 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The results suggest that adverse events such as relapses in some conditions (inflammatory bowel disease and cancer) may have little or no reduction in the patient-initiated appointment group in comparison with the consultant-led appointment group (MD -0.20, 95% CI -0.54 to 0.14; 3 studies, 888 participants; low-certainty evidence). The results are unclear about any differences the intervention may make to patient satisfaction (SMD 0.05, 95% CI -0.41 to 0.52; 2 studies, 375 participants) because the certainty of the evidence is low, as each study used different questions to collect their data at different time points and across different health conditions. Some areas of risk of bias across all the included studies was consistently high (i.e. for blinding of participants and personnel and blinding of outcome assessment, other areas were largely of low risk of bias or were affected by poor reporting making the assessment unclear).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Patient-initiated appointment systems may have little or no effect on patient anxiety, depression and quality of life compared to consultant-led appointment systems. Other aspects of disease status and experience also appear to show little or no difference between patient-initiated and consultant-led appointment systems. Patient-initiated appointment systems may have little or no effect on service utilisation in terms of service contact and there is uncertainty about costs compared to consultant-led appointment systems. Patient-initiated appointment systems may have little or no effect on adverse events such as relapse or patient satisfaction compared to consultant-led appointment systems.

The value, impact and role of nurses in rheumatology outpatient care: Critical review of the literature

BACKGROUND

As rheumatology nurses make substantial contributions to intensive management programmes following 'treat to target' principles of people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), there is a need to understand the impacts of their involvement. A structured literature review was undertaken of qualitative studies, clinical trials and observational studies to assess the impacts of rheumatology nurses on clinical outcomes and the experiences of patients with RA and to examine the skills and training of the nurses involved.

METHOD

A structured literature review was conducted to examine the value, impact and professional role of nurses in RA management.

RESULTS

The literature search identified 657 publications, and 20 of them were included comprising: seven qualitative studies (242 patients), nine trials (a total of 2,440 patients) and four observational studies (1,234 patients). In clinical trials, nurses achieved similar patient clinical outcomes to doctors, and nurses also enhanced patients' satisfaction of received care and self-efficacy. In the qualitative studies reviewed, the nurses increased patients' knowledge and promoted their self-management. The observational studies studied examined found that nursing care led to improved patients' global functioning. The nurses in the various studies had a wide range of titles, experiences and training.

DISCUSSION

Our structured literature review provides strong evidence that rheumatology nurses are effective in delivering care for RA patients. However, their titles, experience and training were highly variable.

CONCLUSION

There is a convincing case to maintain and extend the role of nurses in managing RA, but further work is needed on standardisation of their titles and training.

Nurse-led care versus physician-led care in the management of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis (StaerkeR): study protocol for a multi-center randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

In Germany, the care of patients with inflammatory arthritis could be improved. Although specialized rheumatology nurses could take over substantial aspects of patient care, this hardly occurs in Germany. Thus, the aim of the study is to examine structured nursing consultation in rheumatology practices.

METHODS/DESIGN

In total, 800 patients with a stable course of rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis in 20 centers in North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony will be randomized to either nurse-led care or standard care. Participating nurses will study for a special qualification in rheumatology and trial-specific issues. It is hypothesized that nurse-led care is non-inferior to standard care provided by rheumatologists with regard to a reduction of disease activity (DAS28) while it is hypothesized to be superior regarding changes in health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L) after 1 year. Secondary outcomes include functional capacity, patient satisfaction with treatment, and resource consumption.

DISCUSSION

Since there is insufficient care of rheumatology patients in Germany, the study may be able to suggest improvements. Nurse-led care has the potential to provide more efficient and effective patient care. This includes a more stringent implementation of the treat-to-target concept, which may lead to a higher percentage of patients reaching their treatment targets, thereby improving patient-related outcomes, such as quality of life, functional capacity, and participation. Additionally, nurse-led care may be highly cost-effective. Finally, this project may form the basis for a sustainable implementation of nurse-led care in standard rheumatology care in Germany.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00015526. Registered on 11 January 2019.

Interactions between women with rheumatoid arthritis and nurses during outpatient consultations: A qualitative study

INTRODUCTION

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease, and patients with RA receive services in various settings-for example, in nurse-led follow-up consultations. The present study aimed to investigate how the management of RA in everyday life is expressed in interactions between nurses and women with RA during nursing consultations.

METHODS

The study was conducted in accordance with constructivist grounded theory, with data based on participant observations and subsequent interviews with 10 women with RA.

RESULTS

A core category was developed, "Collaboration through mutual acknowledgement", which documented how the women and nurses confirmed their shared understanding of the content and the structure of the consultation. Three subcategories were identified: (i) "On safe ground", which illustrated that biomedical factors, such as blood test results and pharmacological treatment, structured the basis of the dialogue; (ii) "Venturing forward", which documented how both parties were aware of each other's reactions when the dialogue dealt with women's perspectives of illness in their everyday lives; and (iii) "Gentle steering", which showed that the nurses gently steered the dialogue if the women strayed from the planned content.

CONCLUSIONS

Both parties agreed that a disease perspective consistent with biomedical factors formed the basis for further dialogue. Subsequently, the women's perspectives on illness were included, and the women felt acknowledged. Therefore, the recommendation is that the consultations start by all parties agreeing on a shared agenda to facilitate the inclusion of the women's perspectives on illness.

Management of rheumatoid arthritis: 2019 updated consensus recommendations from the Hong Kong Society of Rheumatology

The expanding range of treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), from conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to biological DMARDs (bDMARDs), biosimilar bDMARDs, and targeted synthetic DMARDs, has improved patient outcomes but increased the complexity of treatment decisions. These updated consensus recommendations from the Hong Kong Society of Rheumatology provide guidance on the management of RA, with a focus on how to integrate newly available DMARDs into clinical practice. The recommendations were developed based on evidence from the literature along with local expert opinion. Early diagnosis of RA and prompt initiation of effective therapy remain crucial and we suggest a treat-to-target approach to guide optimal sequencing of DMARDs in RA patients to achieve tight disease control. Newly available DMARDs are incorporated in the treatment algorithm, resulting in a greater range of second-line treatment options. In the event of treatment failure or intolerance, switching to another DMARD with a similar or different mode of action may be considered. Given the variety of available treatments and the heterogeneity of patients with RA, treatment decisions should be tailored to the individual patient taking into consideration prognostic factors, medical comorbidities, drug safety, cost of treatment, and patient preference.

2018 update of the EULAR recommendations for the role of the nurse in the management of chronic inflammatory arthritis

To update the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommendations for the role of the nurse in the management of chronic inflammatory arthritis (CIA) using the most up to date evidence. The EULAR standardised operating procedures were followed. A task force of rheumatologists, health professionals and patients, representing 17 European countries updated the recommendations, based on a systematic literature review and expert consensus. Higher level of evidence and new insights into nursing care for patients with CIA were added to the recommendation. Level of agreement was obtained by email voting. The search identified 2609 records, of which 51 (41 papers, 10 abstracts), mostly on rheumatoid arthritis, were included. Based on consensus, the task force formulated three overarching principles and eight recommendations. One recommendation remained unchanged, six were reworded, two were merged and one was reformulated as an overarching principle. Two additional overarching principles were formulated. The overarching principles emphasise the nurse’s role as part of a healthcare team, describe the importance of providing evidence-based care and endorse shared decision-making in the nursing consultation with the patient. The recommendations cover the contribution of rheumatology nursing in needs-based patient education, satisfaction with care, timely access to care, disease management, efficiency of care, psychosocial support and the promotion of self-management. The level of agreement among task force members was high (mean 9.7, range 9.6-10.0). The updated recommendations encompass three overarching principles and eight evidence-based and expert opinion-based recommendations for the role of the nurse in the management of CIA.

Integrated healthcare models for rheumatoid arthritis: A descriptive systematic review

Introduction

Integrated people-centred care is a modern approach for addressing healthcare issues related to demographic changes, increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, and restricted resources. By providing an overview of integrated care models for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, we aimed to offer insight into the strategies and interventions that are being used for designing and implementing integrated models of care for this patient group, and their outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature search of peer-reviewed literature available in English and published between 2013 and 2018, using three databases: Cochrane, PubMed and EMBASE. We analysed the publications based on the Framework on integrated people-centred health services and the Triple/Quadruple Aim framework.

Results

We identified 1271 records. After screening, 50 articles met the criteria for inclusion in the review. Approaches for improving patient empowerment, engagement and experience of care were most prevalent in the identified care profiles. Similarly, frequently reported outcomes were related to improvements in patients’ experience of care and their health status. Most of the studies we reviewed did not demonstrate notable improvements from the perspective of cost-effectiveness or benefits for the healthcare workforce.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that for rheumatoid arthritis, integrated care is in the early stages of development. Strategies focusing on patient outcomes and patient satisfaction were found to be prioritised. Future initiatives aiming to redesign rheumatology care should adopt systems thinking perspective to better address all of the building blocks of people-centred integrated care.

Living With Rheumatoid Arthritis in Spain: A Qualitative Study of Patient Experience and the Role of Health Professionals

The aim of this study was to explore the experience of Spanish people living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the support these people received from health professionals, particularly nurses. Nineteen patients with >1 year diagnosis, disease activity moderate or severe (DAS28 > 3.2), and already treated with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) were interviewed. A thematic analysis was performed to interpret the discourses. The difficulties of symptom management; the need for home-adaptations, the difficulties of living with a deteriorating self-image; and the reluctant reliance on medication to control their disease were the main themes that emerged from the discourse analysis of this study. Nurses appeared to have a limited role in RA patients care, and focused primarily on giving information and training for biological therapies. RA patients in Spain would benefit from having contact with specialist nurses who could empower them to self-manage their disease, as happens in other countries.

Person-centred care in nurse-led outpatient rheumatology clinics: Conceptualization and initial development of a measurement instrument

BACKGROUND

Person-centred care (PCC) is considered a key component of effective illness management and high-quality care. However, the PCC concept is underdeveloped in outpatient care. In rheumatology, PCC is considered an unmet need and its further development and evaluation is of high priority. The aim of the present study was to conceptualize and operationalize PCC, in order to develop an instrument for measuring patient-perceived PCC in nurse-led outpatient rheumatology clinics.

METHODS

A conceptual outpatient PCC framework was developed, based on the experiences of people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), person-centredness principles and existing PCC frameworks. The resulting framework was operationalized into the PCC instrument for outpatient care in rheumatology (PCCoc/rheum), which was tested for acceptability and content validity among 50 individuals with RA attending a nurse-led outpatient clinic.

RESULTS

The conceptual framework focuses on the meeting between the person with RA and the nurse, and comprises five interrelated domains: social environment, personalization, shared decision-making, empowerment and communication. Operationalization of the domains into a pool of items generated a preliminary PCCoc/rheum version, which was completed in a mean (standard deviation) of 5.3 (2.5) min. Respondents found items easy to understand (77%) and relevant (93%). The Content Validity Index of the PCCoc/rheum was 0.94 (item level range, 0.87-1.0). About 80% of respondents considered some items redundant. Based on these results, the PCCoc/rheum was revised into a 24-item questionnaire.

CONCLUSIONS

A conceptual outpatient PCC framework and a 24-item questionnaire intended to measure PCC in nurse-led outpatient rheumatology clinics were developed. The extent to which the questionnaire represents a measurement instrument remains to be tested.

Multidisciplinary Management of Spondyloarthritis-Related Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Disease

Introduction

Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) are chronic autoimmune conditions that share common pathophysiologic mechanisms. The optimal management of patients with IMIDs remains challenging because the coexistence of different conditions requires the intervention of several specialists. The aim of this study was to develop a series of statements defining overarching principles that guide the implementation of a multidisciplinary approach for the management of spondyloarthritis (SpA)-related IMIDs including SpA, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and uveitis.

Methods

A Delphi consensus-based approach was used to identify a core set of statements. The process included development of initial questions by a steering committee, an exhaustive search of the literature using complementary approaches to identify potential statements and two Delphi voting rounds for finalization of the statements.

Results

Consensus was achieved on the related nature of IMIDs, the existence of a high prevalence of multiple IMIDs in a single patient and the fact that a multidisciplinary approach can result in a more extensive evaluation and comprehensive approach to treatment. The goals of a multidisciplinary team should be to increase diagnosis of concomitant IMIDs, improve the decision-making process, and increase patient satisfaction and adherence. Early referral and diagnosis, early recognition of concomitant IMIDs and optimizing treatment to improve patient quality of life are some of the advantages of using multidisciplinary teams. To be effective, a multidisciplinary team should be equipped with the appropriate tools for diagnosis and follow-up, and at a minimum the multidisciplinary team should include a dermatologist, gastroenterologist and rheumatologist; providing psychologic support via a psychologist and involving an ophthalmologist, general practitioners and nurses in multidisciplinary care is also important.

Conclusion

The present Delphi consensus identified a set of overarching principles that may be useful for implementation of a multidisciplinary approach for the management of SpA-related IMIDs.

Funding

Aristea and Hippocrates.

Experiences of a patient-initiated self-monitoring service in inflammatory arthritis: A qualitative exploration

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to explore patients' experience of a patient-initiated self-monitoring service for people with rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis who are on methotrexate.

METHODS

The study took the form of qualitative semi-structured interviews, embedded within a randomized controlled trial. Twelve participants who were randomly assigned to the intervention arm were interviewed. Interviews digitally, transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. The study received full National Health Service ethics approval from Camden and Islington Community Local Research Ethics Committee (Ref. 09/H0722/91).

RESULTS

Analysis revealed five key themes. Participants described usual care as burdensome and an inefficient use of time, particularly those in employment. Being able to self-monitor and initiate their own care increased patients' knowledge about their illness and its treatment, and enabled them to gain a sense of control and ownership over their arthritis. They appreciated the personalized nature of the new service, which allowed them to be seen at a time and by a method more appropriate to their needs. There were, however, some concerns about fidelity to the service protocol, confusion about the lack of consistency between symptoms and laboratory results, and anxiety about self-monitoring.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, participants were positive about the new service, in comparison with usual care, valuing its tailored approach and empowering effects. Further work is needed to ensure adherence to the service protocol and address anxieties around self-monitoring prior to any widespread implementation of the service.

Sharing Ongoing Care with Primary Care Physicians Opens Up Opportunity for Timelier and Earlier Care by Rheumatologists for Patients with New Inflammatory Polyarthritis

OBJECTIVE

In our region in Quebec, Canada, access to rheumatologists is very limited. Sharing followup of stable patients with their primary care physicians (PCP) could increase access to rheumatologists. In our study, we assessed the feasibility and potential benefits of sharing followup of inflammatory arthritis (IA) patients with their PCP.

METHODS

We reviewed the clinical records of 300 patients with peripheral arthritis who presented at our rheumatology outpatient clinic between July and October 2015. We distributed questionnaires to their treating rheumatologist, asking whether a PCP could participate in the followup of the patient and whether there were any factors that would prevent shared followup. We also distributed questionnaires to PCP to assess their level of comfort in participating in the followup care of patients with arthritis.

RESULTS

Chart review was completed on 300 patients. There was no treatment modification in 49% of the cases, and 38% of the visits were deemed unnecessary by the attending rheumatologist. We found that 74% of PCP were very interested in sharing the arthritis followup care of their patients. According to PCP, the main barriers to shared followup were treatment with biological agents, active disease, and need for infiltrations. Main organizational barriers were the lack of rheumatologist availability to see patients urgently (46%) and the lack of clear guidelines for the management of IA (58%).

CONCLUSION

Up to 38% of peripheral IA visits to a rheumatologist could have been prevented and done by a PCP. In our department, this represented up to 19 followup visits per week that could have been avoided by involving a PCP.

Clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of nurse-led care in Chinese patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized trial comparing with rheumatologist-led care

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The concept of nurse-led care (NLC) was not familiar in China. This study was designed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of NLC versus rheumatologist-led care (RLC) in Chinese patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

Patients of either gender (aged ≥18 years) with RA were enrolled at Wenhai Central Hospital, China (January 2015 to December 2015). The participants were then randomized to NLC or RLC. Outcomes of both the groups were compared in terms of effectiveness by measuring the Disease Activity Score 28, visual analogue scores pertaining to pain and fatigue, and duration of morning stiffness. Costs associated with resource use for RA were assessed and compared between both groups.

RESULTS

A total of 214 RA patients in 2 groups (n = 107 in each group) were enrolled and analysed. Improvements in clinical outcomes (disease activity, pain, fatigue, and morning stiffness) over 12 months were significantly greater in the NLC group compared to RLC (P < 0.001). Overall, costs associated with resource use were higher in the RLC group compared to the NLC group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our preliminary finding suggested that RA patients managed by NLC compared to RLC may have better clinical outcomes and more cost-effective care in China.

Managing Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Clinical Updates and Three Strategic Approaches

ᅟ: The increase in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is well known; however, appropriate management of this elevated risk in rheumatology clinics is less clear.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

By critically reviewing literature published within the past 5 years, we aim to clarify current knowledge and gaps regarding CVD risk management in RA.

RECENT FINDINGS

We examine recent guidelines, recommendations, and evidence and discuss three approaches: (1) RA-specific management including treat-to-target and medication management, (2) assessment of comprehensive individual risk, and (3) targeting traditional CVD risk factors (hypertension, smoking, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, obesity, and physical inactivity) at a population level. Considering that 75% of US RA visits occur in specialty clinics, further research is needed regarding evidence-based strategies to manage and reduce CVD risk in RA. This review highlights clinical updates including US cardiology and international professional society guidelines, successful evidence-based population approaches from primary care, and novel opportunities in rheumatology care to reduce CVD risk in RA.

Nursing sensitive outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic literature review

BACKGROUND

Although rheumatology nursing has been shown to be effective in managing patients with rheumatoid arthritis, patient outcomes sensitive to nursing interventions (nursing sensitive outcomes) have not been systematically studied.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to identify and delineate relevant patient outcomes measured in studies that reported nursing interventions in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

DESIGN

A systematic search was conducted from 1990 to 2016. Inclusion criteria were (i) patients with rheumatoid arthritis, (ii) adult population age ≥16years, (iii) nurse as part of the care team or intervention delivery, (iv) primary research only, (v) English language, and (vi) quantitative studies with nursing sensitive outcomes.

DATA SOURCES

Medline, CINAHL, Ovid nursing, Cochrane library and PsycINFO databases were searched for relevant studies.

REVIEW METHODS

Using the predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria, nine reviewers working in pairs assessed the eligibility of the identified studies based on titles and abstracts. Papers meeting the inclusion criteria were retrieved and full texts were further assessed. Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tools were used to assess the quality of the included studies. Data on nursing sensitive outcomes were extracted independently by two reviewers. The Outcome Measures in Rheumatology comprehensive conceptual framework for health was used to contextualise and present findings.

RESULTS

Of the 820 articles retrieved, 7 randomised controlled trials and 3 observational studies met the inclusion criteria. Seventeen nursing sensitive outcomes were identified (disease activity, clinical effects, pain, early morning stiffness duration, fatigue, patient safety issues, function, knowledge, patient satisfaction, confidence in care received, mental health status, self-efficacy, patient attitude/perception of ability to control arthritis, quality of life, health utility, health care resources, death). These fitted into 10 health intervention domains in keeping with the pre-specified conceptual framework for health: disease status, effectiveness, safety, function, knowledge, satisfaction, psychological status, quality of life, cost, death. A total of 59 measurement instruments were identified comprising patient reported outcome measures (n=31), and biologic measures and reports (n=28).

CONCLUSIONS

This review is notable in that it is the first to have identified, and reported, a set of multidimensional outcome measures that are sensitive to nursing interventions in rheumatology specifically. Further research is required to determine a core set of outcomes to be used in all rheumatology nursing intervention studies.

Patient Satisfaction with Pharmacist-Led Collaborative Follow-Up Care in an Ambulatory Rheumatology Clinic

OBJECTIVES

Patient satisfaction is known to increase with pharmacist intervention in general outpatient clinics and with nurse-led care in rheumatology clinics. The aim of the present study was to describe and compare patient satisfaction with two different types of care: a pharmacist physician collaborative model and a traditional physician model in a rheumatology clinic setting.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey of inflammatory arthritis patients seen during a follow-up visit in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, was conducted over a ten-week period. Patient satisfaction was measured using a modified version of the validated Leeds Satisfaction Questionnaire, which uses a five-point Likert scale to measure six dimensions of satisfaction, and compared between the collaborative care and traditional physician models.

RESULTS

A total of 62 patients completed the questionnaire (21 collaborative care and 41 traditional physician model). The average age of respondents was 52 years and the majority were female. The mean score for satisfaction across the six dimensions was 4.56 in the collaborative care group and 4.30 in the traditional physician group (p = 0.02). Patient satisfaction in the collaborative care group was consistently higher across all dimensions. No difference was noted between participants seen for the first time compared with those seen two or more times by the pharmacist.

CONCLUSIONS

A collaborative care model can exceed the already high expectations for care of patients with inflammatory arthritis. Our findings support the role of pharmacists using a collaborative care approach to care for patients in rheumatology clinics.