Improving the standard of care for patients with spondyloarthritis-related immune inflammatory conditions: results of a Delphi study and proposal for early detection

[Experience of patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases seen in a multidisciplinary integrated care unit]

OBJECTIVE

To describe the aspects with the greatest impact on the satisfaction of patients treated in a multidisciplinary unit specialising in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) and to identify areas for improvement in the care model.

METHODS

Cross-sectional descriptive study using a satisfaction survey structured in three blocks: sociodemographic variables, functional aspects of the unit and satisfaction with the professionals. Immediate satisfaction was measured on aspects related to the care received, the physical structure and the likelihood of recommending the unit.

RESULTS

A total of 168 patients completed the surveys, the mean score of overall satisfaction with the unit was 4.75 (SD:0.4). The regression model showed the relationship between overall satisfaction and unit signage (OR:3.558, p=0.045, 95% CI: 1.027-12.33), coordination between professionals (OR:9.043, p=0.000, 95% CI: 2.79-29.28) and participation in decision making (OR: 44.836, p=0.000, 95% CI: 5.49-365.97). In terms of immediate satisfaction, the overall Net Promoter Score (NPS) was 87 (excellent). The mean score for coordination with Primary Care was 4.54 (SD:0.8) and they scored waiting time to be seen with 4.49 (SD:0.8), so they have been considered an area for improvement The mean score for coordination with Primary Care was 4.54 (SD:0.8) and they scored waiting time to be seen with 4.49 (SD:0.8), so both were considered areas for improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

Coordination between intra-centre professionals and patient participation in decision-making explain the excellent level of patient satisfaction. The monitoring of satisfaction has made it possible to implement immediate improvement actions.

Adalimumab in the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: Results from a Delphi investigation

Background and Objectives

Psoriasis (PsO) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are often undertreated and require a multidisciplinary approach. In recent years, patent expiration has allowed the introduction of tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (anti-TNF) biosimilars, which have stimulated a significant increase in the use of biological therapies. This article reports the findings of a multidisciplinary approach to achieve a consensus on the use of adalimumab in patients with PsO or PsA.

Methods

A voting panel of 36 Italian dermatologists and rheumatologists were chosen by eight Italian clinicians (the Board), to provide a consensus on the real-world management of PsO and PsA with adalimumab using the Delphi Method, comprising three survey rounds. Twelve statements were defined by the Board and submitted to the panel (rating scale 1-7).

Results

Clinicians reached a wide consensus on the effectiveness (score 6-7: 67%) and long-term efficacy (6-7: 100%) of adalimumab in all clinical forms of PsO and PsA, including pediatric patients (6-7: 85%). Considering cost-effectiveness and safety, adalimumab is suggested as a first-line treatment in patients with enthesitis, predominant peripheral arthritis, axial involvement or associated inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or uveitis. Adalimumab can be also considered after failure of etanercept (6-7: 94%).

Conclusion

Results from this Delphi study clearly show an overall consensus on the use of adalimumab in the management of PsO and PsA, particularly as first-choice for specific subpopulations (uveitis, IBD, hidradenitis suppurativa). Considering the cost-effectiveness of biosimilars within Italy, adalimumab may represent an effective and safe first-line treatment for patients with moderate-to-severe PsO or PsA, and a valid choice for switching after failure.

Proposals for the incorporation of the nursing role in the certification of axial spondyloarthritis units. Literature review and expert consensus

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the role of nursing in the approach to axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and to make proposals to include the role of rheumatology nursing consultations (RECs) in the quality certification of these specialized units.

METHODS

A systematic review of the nursing role in quality certification systems in the management of axSpA was conducted. Subsequently a consensus conference was held with the participation of three rheumatology nurses to determine elements that should be considered in future revisions of certification standards.

RESULTS

The systematic review yielded five papers as relevant. None of the publications reviewed explicitly proposed standards applicable to nursing care in the management of patients with axSpA, although they contemplated the activities of this professional group. The proposals agreed upon to incorporate the role of RECs in the certification standards for axSpA monographic units included the following: basic equipment and resources, organization, administration of pharmacological treatments and promotion of adherence, standardized programmes for axSpA, telematic consultation for monitoring the stable patient, registry of patient-reported outcome measures and e-consultation.

CONCLUSIONS

The literature on quality standards and certification standards for axSpA monographic units is scarce and hardly reflects the role of RECs in providing quality care. The consensus proposals in this study would incorporate RECs into quality certification standards. In the future, the increased presence of RECs in Spain should be accompanied by a review of the indicators regarding their role.

Information and communication technologies in Patients with Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases: Cross-Sectional Survey (Preprint)

Background

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are changing the traditional health care model and redefining personalized health. ICTs offer effective communication and real-time monitoring of patients and provide additional data to support clinical decision-making, improve the quality of care, and contribute to the empowerment of patients. However, evidence on the use of ICTs and digital preferences of immune-mediated inflammatory disease (IMID) patients is scarce.

Objective

The aim of this study is to describe the degree of use of ICTs in patients with IMIDs (including rheumatic diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, and psoriasis), identify their needs, and analyze their interest in the use of apps as tools for better management of their disease.

Methods

A questionnaire was created by a multidisciplinary team including pharmacists, rheumatologists, gastroenterologists, dermatologists, and nurses with experience in ICTs applied to the field of IMID. The survey included 27 questions organized into 3 blocks: (1) sociodemographic characteristics, (2) ICT use for health-related information, and (3) patient expectations about mobile health.

Results

A total of 472 questionnaires were analyzed. Overall, 52.9% (250/472) of patients were diagnosed with a rheumatologic disease, 39.4% (186/472) with inflammatory bowel disease, and 12.3% (58/472) with psoriasis. The state of health was considered good by 45.6% (215/472) of patients. Patients were interested in staying informed about health issues in 86.9% (410/427) of cases and sought health-related information mainly from the internet (334/472, 70.8%) and health care professionals (318/472, 67.4%). Overall, 13.6% (64/472) did not trust the health information they found in internet. Of the patients, 42.8% (202/472) had a health app, and 42.2% (199/472) had found it on their own. Patients would like a health app to help mainly to manage appointments (281/472, 59.5%), obtain information about their diseases and treatments (274/472, 58.1%), and get in contact with health professionals (250/472, 53.0%). Overall, 90.0% (425/472) of patients reported they would use an app to manage their IMID if their health professional recommended it, and 58.0% (274/472) would pay or probably be willing to pay for it.

Conclusions

IMID patients were very interested in finding health-related information via ICTs, especially using smartphones and apps recommended by health professionals. Appointment management, advice on disease and treatment management, and personalized communication with health professionals were the most desired app features identified. Health professionals should play an essential role in recommending and validating these tools to ensure they are of high quality.

The ASAS health index: a new era for health impact assessment in spondyloarthritis

The concept of spondyloarthritis (SpA) encompasses a series of entities that share clinical and imaging characteristics and a common genetic basis. These diseases can affect 0.20 to 1.6% of the general population, limiting functioning and affecting the quality of life of patients. Considering the patient perspective in the management of the disease and ensuring patients are sufficiently prepared to participate in decisionmaking is critical to treatment success as well as for optimal health outcomes. The overall picture of impairments, limitations, and restrictions in activities or social participation of patients with SpA is not adequately assessed in SpA-specific instruments. Therefore, it is quite relevant to measure the broader range of impairments that can affect SpA patients and integrate these into one measure of overall functioning in daily life. The Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society-Health Index (ASAS HI) is a recently introduced health instrument for evaluating SpA based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, also known as ICF, that could cover a good part of the health metric needs in SpA. This review addresses its origins, its measurement properties, its use in routine clinical practice, as well as its prospects for future use.

Update on therapeutic management of spondyloarthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease

Management of spondyloarthritis (SpA) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains a challenging task that requires multidisciplinary collaboration. Separate guidelines for each disease are well-established. However, the management of SpA co-occurring with Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) has hardly been studied. There are few specific reports that focus on this therapeutic area. The main issue is that some therapeutic options used to treat one disease can negatively influence the other disease course. This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic alternatives that would allow for the appropriate management of patients with both SpA and IBD. Key Points • Collaboration between gastroenterologists and rheumatologists is recommended to improve the management of patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). • When treating SpA occurring simultaneously with IBD, it would be appropriate to give priority to the active disease. • Considering its well-proven efficacy in both conditions, anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy remains the corner stone in the treatment of these patients. • Other therapeutic options such as Janus kinases (JAK) inhibitors, interleukin (IL)-23 and IL-12 inhibitors, and vedolizumab are still under investigation.