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Guaracha-Basáñez GA, Contreras-Yáñez I, Ortiz Haro AB, Pascual-Ramos V. Patients Journey Before Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosis Contributes to disease's Activity Level: A Real-Life Study. J Clin Rheumatol 2024; 30:e133-e139. [PMID: 38949663 DOI: 10.1097/rhu.0000000000002098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The help-seeking process in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients is challenging, and its study is limited in Latin America. The study describes the real-life journey before patients' incorporation into an early arthritis clinic (EAC) and its impact on baseline and 1-year cumulative disease activity levels. PATIENTS AND METHODS The patient's journey was assessed through a questionnaire that captured the patient's path from the first disease-related symptom to the initial assessment in the EAC. A disease activity (28 joints evaluated)-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) score >5.1 defined a high-disease activity level. The mean of individual consecutive DAS28-ESR scores summarized cumulative DAS28-ESR. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified factors associated with a DAS28-ESR score >5.1 at the first assessment. Linear regression analysis assessed the impact of general practitioner (GP)-first consultant and time on disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) on baseline and cumulative DAS28-ESR scores. RESULTS Through January 2023, the EAC had 241 RA patients, among whom 209 (86.7%) completed the patients' journey questionnaire (PJQ) and 176 (84.2%) at least 1 year of follow-up. A GP was the first consultant in 76.6% of the patients, and only 12.4% were prescribed DMARDs. Patients had additional evaluations with either rheumatologists (38.6%) or other specialists (31.6%), and half of them were initiated DMARDs. GP-first consultant (adjusted odds ratio: 2.314, 95% confidence interval: 1.190-4.500, p = 0.013) and time on DMARDs (adjusted odds ratio: 0.738, 95% confidence interval: 0.585-0.929, p = 0.010) were associated with baseline DAS28-ESR score >5.1. The B coefficient magnitudes for GP-first consultant and time on DMARDs to predict cumulative DAS28 progressively decreased during the first year of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Patients' journey before recent-onset RA diagnosis predicts first-year disease activity levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo A Guaracha-Basáñez
- From the Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador-Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
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Biln NK, Bansback N, Shojania K, Puil L, Harrison M. A scoping review of triage approaches for the referral of patients with suspected inflammatory arthritis, from primary to rheumatology care. Rheumatol Int 2024:10.1007/s00296-024-05575-8. [PMID: 38530455 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-024-05575-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
We aimed to (1) identify existing triage approaches for referral of patients with suspected inflammatory arthritis (IA) from primary care physicians (PCP) to rheumatologists, (2) describe their characteristics and methodologies for clinical use, and (3) report their level of validation for use in a publicly funded healthcare system. The comprehensive search strategy of multiple databases up to October 2023 identified relevant literature and focussed on approaches applied at the PCP-Rheumatologist referral stage. Primary, quantitative studies, reported in English were included. Triage approaches were grouped into patient conditions as defined by the authors of the reports, including IA, its subtypes and combinations. 13952 records were identified, 425 full text reviewed and 55 reports of 53 unique studies were included. Heterogeneity in disease nomenclature and study sample pretest probability was found. The number of published studies rapidly increased after 2012. Studies were mostly from Europe and North America, in IA and Axial Spondyloarthritis (AxSpa). We found tools ranging the continuum of development with those best performing, indicated by the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) >0.8), requiring only patient-reported questions. There were AUCs for some tools reported from multiple studies, these were in the outstanding to excellent range for the Early IA Questionnaire (EIAQ) (0.88 to 0.92), acceptable for the Case Finding AxSpa (CaFaSpa) (0.70 to 0.75), and poor to outstanding for the Psoriasis Epidemiology Screening Tool (PEST) (0.61 to 0.91). Given the clinical urgency to improve rheumatology referrals and considering the good.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norma K Biln
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Nick Bansback
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Arthritis Research Canada, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kam Shojania
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Rheumatology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Arthritis Research Canada, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Lorri Puil
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Therapeutics Initiative, Department of Anaesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Mark Harrison
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, 4625-2405 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
- Arthritis Research Canada, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Maduro AI, Saraiva AP, Mendes B, Carones A, Luís M, Santiago T, Silva JAP, Duarte C. 10-year experience of early arthritis clinic at a tertiary rheumatology center: achievements and challenges. ARP RHEUMATOLOGY 2024; 3:4-10. [PMID: 38320200 DOI: 10.63032/zuzz7662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To characterize patients evaluated in our Early Arthritis Clinic (EAC) in the first ten years; to assess diagnostic delay and its underlying causes; and to evaluate the level of agreement between the referring physician and the rheumatologist regarding the presence of referral criteria. METHODS Cross-sectional study including patients attending EAC between 2012 and 2021. Demographic data, provenience, final diagnosis, referral criteria and time related to diagnosis delay were retrieved from clinical files and the Portuguese Registry of Rheumatic Patients (reuma.pt). Characteristics of the patients and the time variables were analysed with descriptive statistical analysis. The agreement between the referring physician and rheumatologist regarding the referral criteria was evaluated using Cohen's Kappa. RESULTS A total of 440 patients (68.9% females, mean age of 54±16.7 years) were referred, mostly from primary care (71.6%). Inflammatory Rheumatic Disease was diagnosed in 65.7% of the patients, with 58.9% classified as early arthritis. The median time from onset of symptoms to referral for EAC was 76 days (IQR 33.5-144.0); the median time from referral to the first EAC was 34 (IQR 19.0-46.0) days, and the median time from onset of symptoms to first EAC was 114.5 (IQR 66.8-190.3) days (16.3 weeks). Only about 10% were observed by a Rheumatologist before six weeks after symptom onset. The level of agreement between the referring physician and the rheumatologist was slight to fair to clinical criteria and moderate to substantial to laboratory criteria. CONCLUSIONS A significant delay still is observed in patients with early arthritis suspicion, being the time from onset of symptoms to referral is the most relevant. A low agreement between referral and Rheumatologists suggests that non-rheumatologists education/training is needed. Identifying the barriers that prevent the adequate referral of patients is necessary to define strategies to improve it.
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Ruiz-Lozano RE, Ramos-Davila EM, Garza-Garza LA, Gutierrez-Juarez K, Hernandez-Camarena JC, Rodriguez-Garcia A. Rheumatoid arthritis-associated peripheral ulcerative keratitis outcomes after early immunosuppressive therapy. Br J Ophthalmol 2023; 107:1246-1252. [PMID: 35418476 DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2022-321132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS To evaluate the role of early immunosuppressive therapy (IMT) in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-associated peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK). METHODS Single-centre, retrospective, comparative cohort study. Patients with RA-associated PUK were divided into two groups; those exposed to and those not exposed to early IMT, defined as administrating therapy within the first 4 weeks from the PUK onset. Outcomes included PUK recurrence, control of inflammation and development of ocular complications, including corneal scarring and perforation, cataract formation or progression and permanent visual loss. RESULTS A total of 52 eyes from 36 patients were included for analysis; 37 (71.2%) eyes received early IMT and 15 (28.8%) eyes did not. Follow-up time was 41.2+53.3 months (range: 4-236 months). While early IMT was a protective factor (HR 0.345, 95% CI 0.126 to 0.946, p=0.039), late RA diagnosis after PUK onset (HR 4.93, 95% CI 1.75 to 13.85, p=0.002) and retarded (≥2 months) control of inflammation (HR 8.37, 95% CI 1.88 to 37.16, p=0.005) were risk factors for PUK recurrence. Late IMT (OR 7.75, 95% CI 2.00 to 29.99, p=0.003), an unknown diagnosis of RA at first visit (OR 4.14, 95% CI 1.15 to 14.91, p=0.030) and at least one PUK recurrence (OR 6.42, 95% CI 1.71 to 24.07, p=0.006) were risk factors for visual loss. Survival analysis rendered eyes exposed to early IMT a lower risk of PUK recurrence (p=0.039). CONCLUSION Eyes with RA-associated PUK exposed to early IMT were more likely to achieve earlier inflammatory control, fewer recurrences and had better visual outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul E Ruiz-Lozano
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
| | - Eugenia M Ramos-Davila
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
| | - Lucas A Garza-Garza
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
| | - Kathia Gutierrez-Juarez
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
| | - Julio C Hernandez-Camarena
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Rodriguez-Garcia
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
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Albuquerque CP, Reis APMG, Vargas Santos AB, Bértolo MB, Júnior PL, Neubarth Giorgi RD, Radominski SC, Guimarães MFBR, Bonfiglioli KR, L Cunha Sauma MDF, Pereira IA, Brenol CV, Henrique Mota LM, Santos-Neto L, Castelar Pinheiro GR. Do it fast! Early access to specialized care improved long-term outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis: data from the REAL multicenter observational study. Adv Rheumatol 2023; 63:17. [PMID: 37095556 DOI: 10.1186/s42358-023-00301-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) offers an opportunity for better treatment outcomes. In real-life settings, grasping this opportunity might depend on access to specialized care. We evaluated the effects of early versus late assessment by the rheumatologist on the diagnosis, treatment initiation and long-term outcomes of RA under real-life conditions. METHODS Adults meeting the ACR/EULAR (2010) or ARA (1987) criteria for RA were included. Structured interviews were conducted. The specialized assessment was deemed "early" when the rheumatologist was the first or second physician consulted after symptoms onset, and "late" when performed afterwards. Delays in RA diagnosis and treatment were inquired. Disease activity (DAS28-CRP) and physical function (HAQ-DI) were evaluated. Student's t, Mann-Whitney U, chi-squared and correlation tests, and multiple linear regression were performed. For sensitivity analysis, a propensity score-matched subsample of early- vs. late-assessed participants was derived based on logistic regression. The study received ethical approval; all participants signed informed consent. RESULTS We included 1057 participants (89.4% female, 56.5% white); mean (SD) age: 56.9 (11.5) years; disease duration: 173.1 (114.5) months. Median (IQR) delays from symptoms onset to both RA diagnosis and initial treatment coincided: 12 (6-36) months, with no significant delay between diagnosis and treatment. Most participants (64.6%) first sought a general practitioner. Notwithstanding, 80.7% had the diagnosis established only by the rheumatologist. Only a minority (28.7%) attained early RA treatment (≤ 6 months of symptoms). Diagnostic and treatment delays were strongly correlated (rho 0.816; p < 0.001). The chances of missing early treatment more than doubled when the assessment by the rheumatologist was belated (OR 2.77; 95% CI: 1.93, 3.97). After long disease duration, late-assessed participants still presented lower chances of remission/low disease activity (OR 0.74; 95% CI: 0.55, 0.99), while the early-assessed ones showed better DAS28-CRP and HAQ-DI scores (difference in means [95% CI]: -0.25 [-0.46, -0.04] and - 0.196 [-0.306, -0.087] respectively). The results in the propensity-score matched subsample confirmed those observed in the original (whole) sample. CONCLUSIONS Early diagnosis and treatment initiation in patients with RA was critically dependent on early access to the rheumatologist; late specialized assessment was associated with worse long-term clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cleandro Pires Albuquerque
- Rheumatology Service, Universidade de Brasília (UnB), Brasília, DF, Brazil.
- Universidade de Brasília / UnB, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília, CEP 70910-900, Federal District, Brazil.
| | | | - Ana Beatriz Vargas Santos
- Department of Rheumatology, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Paulo Louzada Júnior
- School of Medicine, Universidade de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Rina Dalva Neubarth Giorgi
- Instituto de Assistência Médica ao Servidor Público Estadual, Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo (IAMSPE), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Ivânio Alves Pereira
- Rheumatology, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Claiton Viegas Brenol
- Department of Internal Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Jain A, Joseph S, James J, James TS, Kumar K, Raza K, Greenfield S, Shenoy P. Delay in diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis: reasons and trends over a decade. Rheumatol Int 2023; 43:503-508. [PMID: 35996027 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-022-05187-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Delay in diagnosis and treatment initiation often lead to poorer outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Most of the data on delay in diagnosis and management are from western population with no data from India. Additionally, with improved health care services, whether the delay has changed over years is not known. In this longitudinal observational study, we investigated delay to diagnosis and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) initiation over past 9 years. METHODS Patients aged ≥ 18 years having RA fulfilling 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria were enrolled from January to June in years 2012, 2017 and 2021. Diagnoses received before presenting to clinic, socioeconomic status, educational level and other demographic variables were recorded. RESULTS Each year, 323 patients (mean age 49.5-52.01 years) were enrolled. There was a significant reduction in delay in diagnosis from a median (IQR) of 36 (12-84, range 1-288) months in 2012 to 12 (4-36, range 1-180) months in 2017 and 10 (5-24, range 1-120) months) in 2021 (p < 0.0001). A significant improvement in time to initiating DMARDs from 2012 [48 (24-96) months] to 2017 [12 (6-36) months] (p < 0.0001) and from 2017 to 2021 [12 (5-24) months] (p = 0.03) was seen. Higher education, more patients opting for treatment from rheumatologists, and urbanisation contributed significantly to improvement in delay. There was no impact of age or gender on delay. CONCLUSION Delay in diagnosis has improved significantly between 2012 and 2021. However, delay still remains long as most patients miss the 3-month therapeutic window. Future work focussing on reasons for delays in the patient pathway could help improve consultation pathways in India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avinash Jain
- Department of Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology, SMS Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur, India
| | - Sanjana Joseph
- Department of Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology, Centre for Arthritis and Rheumatism Excellence (CARE), 16/554-2, NH 47, Nettoor, Cochin, Kerala, 682040, India
| | - Jeenamol James
- Department of Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology, Centre for Arthritis and Rheumatism Excellence (CARE), 16/554-2, NH 47, Nettoor, Cochin, Kerala, 682040, India
| | - Tintus Sara James
- Department of Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology, Centre for Arthritis and Rheumatism Excellence (CARE), 16/554-2, NH 47, Nettoor, Cochin, Kerala, 682040, India
| | - Kanta Kumar
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Karim Raza
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK.,Department of Rheumatology, Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Sheila Greenfield
- Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Padmanabha Shenoy
- Department of Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology, Centre for Arthritis and Rheumatism Excellence (CARE), 16/554-2, NH 47, Nettoor, Cochin, Kerala, 682040, India.
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Saraiva L, Duarte C. Barriers to the Diagnosis of Early Inflammatory Arthritis: A Literature Review. Open Access Rheumatol 2023; 15:11-22. [PMID: 36733437 PMCID: PMC9888401 DOI: 10.2147/oarrr.s282622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The early identification of patients with inflammatory arthritis and their referral to rheumatologists in order to establish a diagnosis and to start treatment plays a crucial role in patient outcomes. However, it is recognized that a large proportion of patients with inflammatory arthritis are diagnosed very late, losing the opportunity to start treatment in the very early stages of disease, resulting in a worse prognosis. This delay depends on several factors related to the patient, the disease, socio-demographic and health system aspects. Over time, several strategies have been developed and implemented at different levels aiming to overcome such barriers and to reduce the time from the onset of the symptoms until the diagnosis and start of adequate treatment. In this non-systematic comprehensive review, we will describe the main barriers in the identification of patients with inflammatory arthritis at different levels. We will also discuss the different strategies that have been implemented with the objective to overcome the recognized barriers and their impact in the reduction of delays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Saraiva
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Catia Duarte
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal,iCBR, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal,Correspondence: Catia Duarte, Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Praceta Mota Pinto, Coimbra, 3000-004, Portugal, Tel +351 960330278, Email
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Amissah-Arthur MB, Gyaban-Mensah A, Boima V, Yorke E, Dey D, Ganu V, Mate-Kole C. Health-seeking behaviour, referral patterns and associated factors among patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases in Ghana: A cross-sectional mixed method study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271892. [PMID: 36094929 PMCID: PMC9467363 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Challenges exist in the diagnosis and management of autoimmune rheumatic diseases in low and middle income countries due to factors, such as poverty and under-resourced healthcare infrastructure. Furthermore, other contributory factors such as societal, cultural and religious practices influence health seeking behaviour which has a bearing on access and delivery of healthcare. Objectives To examine the health seeking behaviour and referral patterns of Ghanaian patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases and assess the associated factors that influence these. Method A cross-sectional study using an explanatory sequential mixed method design was carried out in a Rheumatology clinic at a national referral centre. 110 participants were purposively recruited for the quantitative phase. The qualitative phase comprised 10 participants for in-depth interviews and 10 participants for a focus group discussion. Analysis using descriptive statistics, t-tests and logistic regression models were performed. Transcripts generated from the interviews and focused group discussion were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Median duration from onset of symptoms until seeking help was 1 week (IQR = 12); from seeking help until obtaining a final diagnosis was 12 months (IQR = 33). Multiple factors determined the choice of first facility visited, X2 (12, N = 107) = 32.29, p = .001. Only twenty-one participants (19.6%) had knowledge of their disease prior to diagnosis. Education predicted prior knowledge [OR = 2.6 (95% CI = .66–10.12), p < .021]. Unemployed participants had increased odds of seeking help after a month compared to those who were employed [Odds ratio = 2.60 (95% CI = 1.14–5.90), p = .02]. Knowledge of autoimmune rheumatic diseases was low with multiple causative factors such as biomedical, environmental and spiritual causes determining where patients accessed care. Forty (36.4%) participants utilised complementary and alternative treatment options. Conclusion We observed that knowledge about autoimmune rheumatic diseases among Ghanaian patients was low. Patients sought help from numerous medical facilities, traditional healers and prayer camps often contributing to a delay in diagnosis for most patients. This was influenced by individual perceptions, cultural beliefs and socioeconomic status. Active awareness and educational programmes for the public and healthcare workers are required, as well as strategic planning to integrate the biomedical and traditional care services to enable earlier presentation, accurate diagnosis and better clinical outcomes for the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maame-Boatemaa Amissah-Arthur
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Vincent Boima
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Ernest Yorke
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Dzifa Dey
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Vincent Ganu
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
| | - Charles Mate-Kole
- Department of Psychiatry, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
- Center for Ageing Studies, College of Humanities, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
- Department of Psychology, College of Humanities, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
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Simons G, Ismail N, Sandhu K, Mallen CD, Stack RJ, Pontefract S, Raza K, Falahee M. The potential role of community pharmacy staff in reducing patient delay in consulting with symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis: a qualitative study. BMC Rheumatol 2022; 6:50. [PMID: 35999571 PMCID: PMC9400304 DOI: 10.1186/s41927-022-00280-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory arthritis which can cause joint damage and reduced quality of life. Early treatment of RA within 3 months of symptom onset is associated with improved clinical outcomes. However, this window of opportunity is often missed. One important contributing factor is patients with symptoms of RA delaying consulting their general practitioner (GP). Previous research indicates that patients with inflammatory arthritis are likely to visit pharmacies for advice before consulting their GP. Therefore, pharmacists are well positioned to identify patients with symptoms of early inflammatory arthritis and signpost them appropriately. This research examines community pharmacy staff’s knowledge, perceptions, and approaches to management of patients presenting with symptoms of RA in order to identify training needs and other opportunities for intervention to enhance the role of pharmacy staff in the pathway to care. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 community pharmacy staff in the West Midlands (UK), during a 12-month period (2017–2018). The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis facilitated by NVivo 12. Results There was considerable variation in knowledge and perceptions of RA and the need for early treatment amongst pharmacists and other pharmacy staff. The potential role of pharmacists and other pharmacy staff in reducing delay in help-seeking was also discussed. Four themes emerged from thematic analysis: (1) Variations in perceptions and knowledge about RA. (2) The role of the pharmacy in increasing public awareness about RA. (3) The role of the pharmacy staff in facilitating access to the GP. (4) Practical considerations for pharmacy-based interventions. Conclusion Variability in knowledge and perceptions of RA amongst pharmacists, and amongst other pharmacy staff will affect effective signposting of suspected RA cases. This study identifies opportunities for enhanced training of community pharmacists and other pharmacy staff in relation to inflammatory arthritis as well as other pharmacy-based interventions, such as public awareness campaigns about RA and other musculoskeletal conditions. Together with existing referral services and other pharmacy-based initiatives this could result in enhanced signposting to GP consultation or other appropriate NHS services for inflammatory symptoms and reduced treatment delay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwenda Simons
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing (IIA), College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
| | - Nour Ismail
- School of Pharmacy, College of Medical and Dental Science, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Karanbir Sandhu
- Medical School, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Rebecca J Stack
- Institute of Clinical Science, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Sarah Pontefract
- School of Pharmacy, College of Medical and Dental Science, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Karim Raza
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing (IIA), College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Marie Falahee
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing (IIA), College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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Alshahrani MS, Alfaraj D, AlHumaid J, Alshahrani K, Alsubaie A, Almulhim N, Althawadi D, Alam S, Alzahrani M, Alwosibai H, Alshahrani A, Makhdom R, Alkhadra F, Al-faraj S, Al-Qahtani S, AlSulaibikh A, Jumaan MA, Asonto LP, Alahmadi S, Alghamdi M, Al-Mulhim M. Prevalence, Causes, and Adverse Clinical Impact of Delayed Presentation of Non-COVID-19-Related Emergencies during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from a Multicenter Observational Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:9818. [PMID: 36011457 PMCID: PMC9408350 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19169818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Objective: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted healthcare systems worldwide, resulting in decreased and delayed hospital visits of patients with non-COVID-19-related acute emergencies. We evaluated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the presentation and outcomes of patients with non-COVID-19-related medical and surgical emergencies. Method: All non-COVID-19-related patients hospitalized through emergency departments in three tertiary care hospitals in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain in June and July 2020 were enrolled and categorized into delayed and non-delayed groups (presentation ≥/=24 or <24 h after onset of symptom). Primary outcome was the prevalence and cause of delayed presentation; secondary outcomes included comparative 28-day clinical outcomes (i.e., 28-day mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, invasive mechanical ventilation, and acute surgical interventions). Mean, median, and IQR were used to calculate the primary outcomes and inferential statistics including chi-square/Fisher exact test, t-test where appropriate were used for comparisons. Stepwise multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with delay in seeking medical attention. Results: In total, 24,129 patients visited emergency departments during the study period, compared to 48,734 patients in the year 2019. Of the 256 hospitalized patients with non-COVID-19-related diagnoses, 134 (52%) had delayed presentation. Fear of COVID-19 and curfew-related restrictions represented 46 (34%) and 25 (19%) of the reasons for delay. The 28-day mortality rates were significantly higher among delayed patients vs. non-delayed patients (n = 14, 10.4% vs. n = 3, 2.5%, OR: 4.628 (CI: 1.296−16.520), p = 0.038). Conclusion: More than half of hospitalized patients with non-COVID-19-related diagnoses had delayed presentation to the ED where mortality was found to be significantly higher in this group. Fear of COVID-19 and curfew restrictions were the main reasons for delaying hospital visit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed S. Alshahrani
- Emergency Medicine and Intensive Care Departments, King Fahd Hospital of the University, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dunya Alfaraj
- Department of Emergency Medicine, King Fahd Hospital of the University, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jehan AlHumaid
- Preventive Dental Sciences Department, College of Dentistry, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Alshahrani
- College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aisha Alsubaie
- Department of Emergency, King Hamad University Hospital, Road 2835, Busaiteen P.O. Box 24343, Bahrain
| | - Nasser Almulhim
- Emergency Department, King Fahad Hospital (KFU), Hofuf 36277, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dana Althawadi
- Department of Emergency, King Hamad University Hospital, Road 2835, Busaiteen P.O. Box 24343, Bahrain
| | - Salah Alam
- Department of Emergency, King Hamad University Hospital, Road 2835, Busaiteen P.O. Box 24343, Bahrain
| | - Malak Alzahrani
- College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hassan Alwosibai
- Emergency Department, King Fahad Hospital (KFU), Hofuf 36277, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Alshahrani
- Department of Emergency Medicine, King Fahd Hospital of the University, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rawan Makhdom
- Department of Emergency Medicine, King Fahd Hospital of the University, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faisal Alkhadra
- Department of Emergency Medicine, King Fahd Hospital of the University, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sukayna Al-faraj
- Department of Emergency Medicine, King Fahd Hospital of the University, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saad Al-Qahtani
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, King Fahd Hospital of the University, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amal AlSulaibikh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, King Fahd Hospital of the University, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Al Jumaan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, King Fahd Hospital of the University, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Laila Perlas Asonto
- Department of Emergency Medicine, King Fahd Hospital of the University, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah Alahmadi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, King Fahd Hospital of the University, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohannad Alghamdi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, King Fahd Hospital of the University, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Al-Mulhim
- Department of Emergency Medicine, King Fahd Hospital of the University, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
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Reed M, Rampono B, Turner W, Harsanyi A, Lim A, Paramalingam S, Massasso D, Thakkar V, Mundae M, Rampono E. A multicentre validation study of a smartphone application to screen hand arthritis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2022; 23:433. [PMID: 35534813 PMCID: PMC9081322 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-022-05376-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arthritis is a common condition, and the prompt and accurate assessment of hand arthritis in primary care is an area of unmet clinical need. We have previously developed and tested a screening tool combining machine-learning algorithms, to help primary care physicians assess patients presenting with arthritis affecting the hands. The aim of this study was to assess the validity of the screening tool among a number of different Rheumatologists. METHODS Two hundred and forty-eight consecutive new patients presenting to 7 private Rheumatology practices across Australia were enrolled. Using a smartphone application, each patient had photographs taken of their hands, completed a brief 9-part questionnaire, and had a single examination result (wrist irritability) recorded. The Rheumatologist diagnosis was entered following a 45-minute consultation. Multiple machine learning models were applied to both the photographic and survey/examination results, to generate a screening outcome for the primary diagnoses of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis. RESULTS The combined algorithms in the application performed well in identifying and discriminating between different forms of hand arthritis. The algorithms were able to predict rheumatoid arthritis with accuracy, precision, recall and specificity of 85.1, 80.0, 88.1 and 82.7% respectively. The corresponding results for psoriatic arthritis were 95.2, 76.9, 90.9 and 95.8%, and for osteoarthritis were 77.4, 78.3, 80.6 and 73.7%. The results were maintained when each contributor was excluded from the analysis. The median time to capture all data across the group was 2 minutes and 59 seconds. CONCLUSIONS This multicentre study confirms the results of the pilot study, and indicates that the performance of the screening tool is maintained across a group of different Rheumatologists. The smartphone application can provide a screening result from a combination of machine-learning algorithms applied to hand images and patient symptom responses. This could be used to assist primary care physicians in the assessment of patients presenting with hand arthritis, and has the potential to improve the clinical assessment and management of such patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Reed
- , Perth, Australia.
- Hollywood Medical Centre, Suite 41, 85 Monash Avenue, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.
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12
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Raveendran AV, Ravindran V. Clinical inertia in rheumatology practice. J R Coll Physicians Edinb 2021; 51:402-406. [PMID: 34882145 DOI: 10.4997/jrcpe.2021.420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Several professional medical learned societies and organisations have recommended guidelines for management of various chronic diseases geared to achieve optimal control over the diseases and improve the quality of care. However, the data from around the world suggest that a majority of patients are not achieving those treatment targets. This has been well documented in diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia and rheumatoid arthritis, and clinical inertia is thought to be a major factor responsible. In this article, we have discussed clinical inertia in rheumatology practice, which has relevance to several other chronic non-communicable diseases as well.
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13
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Aberrant Methylation of miR-34b and IL-12B mRNA Promoters Contributes to the Reduced Severity of Ankylosing Spondylitis. Biochem Genet 2021; 59:714-730. [PMID: 33512625 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-020-10023-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation of Interleukin-12B (IL-12B) and miR-34b was proved to affect the expression of IL-12B and miR-34b, which were found to be involved in the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of IL-12B and miR-34b in AS remain to be explored. AS patients were divided into four groups according to their status of DNA methylation of miR-34b and IL-12B by bisulfite sequencing: HYPER-miR-34b + HYPO-IL-12B, HYPER-miR-34b + HYPER-IL-12B, HYPO-miR-34b + HYPER-IL-12B and HYPO-miR-34b + HYPO-IL-12B groups. Functional indicators were examined for patients with different status of DNA methylation in their miR-34b and IL-12B promoters. QPCR was performed to examine the expression of miR-34b and IL-12B mRNA under different conditions. ELISA was used to measure the expression of IL-12B p40 in the peripheral blood. Western blot was used to analyze the expression of IL-12B proteins. Luciferase assay was carried out to explore the suppressive role of miR-34b in IL-12B expression. The level of Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score with C-reactive protein (ASDAS-CRP) was gradually increased in HYPER-miR-34b + HYPO-IL-12B,HYPER-miR-34b + HYPER-IL-12B,HYPO-miR-34b + HYPER-IL-12B and HYPO-miR-34b + HYPO-IL-12B groups, whereas the levels of Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI) were significantly elevated in the HYPO-miR-34b + HYPO-IL-12B group and diminished in the HYPER-miR-34b + HYPO-IL-12B group. The expression of miR-34b in the PBMCs and peripheral blood was remarkably higher in the HYPER-miR-34b + HYPO-IL-12B and HYPER-miR-34b + HYPER-IL-12B groups, whereas the expression of IL-12B was gradually decreased in the HYPER-miR-34b + HYPO-IL-12B, HYPER-miR-34b + HYPER-IL-12B, HYPO-miR-34b + HYPER-IL-12B and HYPO-miR-34b + HYPO-IL-12B groups. Luciferase assays with the transfection of miR-34b precursors suggested that miR-34b strongly suppressed the expression of IL-12B in THP-1 cells. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that hypermethylated miR-34b promoter led to evident upregulation of miR-34b, thus inhibiting the expression of IL-12B and alleviated the severity of ankylosing spondylitis by reducing the levels of factors including ASDAS-CRP, BASFI and BASMI.
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14
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Xiang L, Low AHL, Leung YY, Fong W, Gandhi M, Xin X, Uy EJ, Sparks JA, Karlson EW, Thumboo J. Improving sensitivity of the connective tissue disease screening questionnaire: A comparative study of various scoring methods. Lupus 2020; 30:35-44. [PMID: 33092467 DOI: 10.1177/0961203320966378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Early detection of autoimmune rheumatic diseases is crucial given their high morbidity and mortality and short window of opportunity to improve patient outcomes. Self-administered screening questionnaires such as the connective tissue disease screening questionnaire (CSQ) have been shown to promote early detection of autoimmune rheumatic diseases. However, optimal scoring of screening questionnaires may differ with prevalence of clinical features and changes in classification criteria. We compared the performance of 3 scoring methods for the CSQ for early detection of autoimmune rheumatic diseases in a multi-ethnic Asian population. METHODS Patients who were newly referred for evaluation of possible autoimmune rheumatic diseases were invited to answer the cross-culturally adapted CSQ. Detection of autoimmune rheumatic diseases using 1) the original CSQ scoring, 2) a modified CSQ scoring and 3) a scoring based on current classification criteria, were compared to classification of autoimmune rheumatic diseases by classification criteria. RESULTS Of 819 participants, 85 were classified as having autoimmune rheumatic diseases screened for by the adapted CSQ. The original CSQ scoring yielded relatively lower sensitivities in detecting both any and individual autoimmune rheumatic diseases (67% and 20-57%, respectively) compared to the modified CSQ scoring (81% and 60-73%, respectively) and the scoring based on current classification criteria (89% and 50-88%, respectively). CONCLUSION The adapted CSQ with the classification criteria-based scoring achieved relatively high sensitivities in detecting autoimmune rheumatic diseases, suggesting this could be employed as the first step in population screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Xiang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Andrea Hsiu Ling Low
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ying Ying Leung
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Warren Fong
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mihir Gandhi
- Biostatistics, Singapore Clinical Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore.,Centre for Quantitative Medicine, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xiaohui Xin
- Academic Clinical Program for Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Elenore Jb Uy
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jeffrey A Sparks
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth W Karlson
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Julian Thumboo
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
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15
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Tagimacruz T, Bischak DP, Marshall DA. Alternative care providers in rheumatoid arthritis patient care: a queueing and simulation analysis. Health Syst (Basingstoke) 2020; 10:249-267. [PMID: 34745588 DOI: 10.1080/20476965.2020.1771619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toni Tagimacruz
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Diane P Bischak
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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16
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Van der Elst K, Verschueren P, Stouten V, Pazmino S, De Groef A, De Cock D, Joly J, Moons P, Westhovens R. Patient‐Reported Outcome Data From an Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Trial: Opportunities for Broadening the Scope of Treating to Target. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2019; 71:1566-1575. [DOI: 10.1002/acr.23900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrick Verschueren
- University Hospitals LeuvenKU Leuven, Catholic University of Leuven Leuven Belgium
| | | | - Sofia Pazmino
- KU Leuven, Catholic University of Leuven Leuven Belgium
| | - An De Groef
- KU Leuven, Catholic University of Leuven Leuven Belgium
| | | | - Johan Joly
- University Hospitals Leuven Leuven Belgium
| | - Philip Moons
- Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden, and University of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa
| | - René Westhovens
- University Hospitals LeuvenKU Leuven, Catholic University of Leuven Leuven Belgium
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17
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De Cock D, Van der Elst K, Stouten V, Peerboom D, Joly J, Westhovens R, Verschueren P. The perspective of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis on the journey from symptom onset until referral to a rheumatologist. Rheumatol Adv Pract 2019; 3:rkz035. [PMID: 32083241 PMCID: PMC7018614 DOI: 10.1093/rap/rkz035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Timely treatment of patients with early RA (ERA) favours a beneficial disease outcome. However, individuals often delay their contact with a health-care professional (HCP) after ERA-related symptom onset. The aim of this study was to investigate the perspective of patients on the journey of a patient from RA symptom onset until referral to a specialist. Methods A subgroup of patients with ERA from the Care in ERA (CareRA) trial were interviewed retrospectively to discuss their initial ERA-related experiences preceding diagnosis, using a bespoke assessment form. The first section of the form focused on initial symptoms and help-seeking behaviour by the patients. The second part probed the actions of the HCPs consulted. Additional notes derived from the patient stories were analysed thematically. Results Among 94 patients, pain (97%), swelling (73%) and stiffness (52%), typically in multiple joints, were reported as initial ERA symptoms. The general practitioner (GP) was generally the first HCP to be contacted (87%). Frequently reported reasons to visit an HCP were intense pain (90.4%) and difficulties in performing daily activities (69%). In 44.1% of patients, the HCP suspected ERA at the first visit. Approximately 25% of patients needed more than five visits before detection of ERA. GPs mainly referred patients to rheumatologists (71%). Thematic analysis uncovered that multiple HCPs were often involved in the journey to RA detection and referral. Conclusion Pain is the most commonly reported initial symptom of ERA and the main reason to visit an HCP, usually a GP. These GPs play a pivotal role in early detection and correct referral. Furthermore, the journey of a patient seems complex, often with multiple HCPs being involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diederik De Cock
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kristien Van der Elst
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Veerle Stouten
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Donna Peerboom
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johan Joly
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rene Westhovens
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Patrick Verschueren
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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18
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Xiang L, Teo EPS, Low AHL, Leung YY, Fong W, Xin X, Gandhi M, Kwan YH, Uy EJB, Sparks JA, Karlson EW, Thumboo J. Cross-cultural adaptation of the connective tissue disease screening questionnaire and development of a Chinese version in a multi-ethnic Asian population. Clin Rheumatol 2019; 38:2383-2397. [DOI: 10.1007/s10067-019-04567-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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19
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Beltrán Guzmán I, Gil Cuesta J, Trelles M, Jaweed O, Cherestal S, van Loenhout JAF, Guha-Sapir D. Delays in arrival and treatment in emergency departments: Women, children and non-trauma consultations the most at risk in humanitarian settings. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0213362. [PMID: 30835777 PMCID: PMC6400395 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Delays in arrival and treatment at health facilities lead to negative health outcomes. Individual and external factors could be associated with these delays. This study aimed to assess common factors associated with arrival and treatment delays in the emergency departments (ED) of three hospitals in humanitarian settings. METHODOLOGY This was a cross-sectional study based on routine data collected from three MSF-supported hospitals in Afghanistan, Haiti and Sierra Leone. We calculated the proportion of consultations with delay in arrival (>24 hours) and in treatment (based on target time according to triage categories). We used a multinomial logistic regression model (MLR) to analyse the association between age, sex, hospital and diagnosis (trauma and non-trauma) with these delays. RESULTS We included 95,025 consultations. Males represented 65.2%, Delay in arrival was present in 27.8% of cases and delay in treatment in 27.2%. The MLR showed higher risk of delay in arrival for females (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.2-1.3), children <5 (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.4-1.5), patients attending to Gondama (OR 30.0, 95% CI 25.6-35.3) and non-trauma cases (OR 4.7, 95% CI 4.4-4.8). A higher risk of delay in treatment was observed for females (OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.0-1.1), children <5 (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.9-2.1), patients attending to Martissant (OR 14.6, 95% CI 13.9-15.4) and non-trauma cases (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.5-1.7). CONCLUSIONS Women, children <5 and non-trauma cases suffered most from delays. These delays could relate to educational and cultural barriers, and severity perception of the disease. Treatment delay could be due to insufficient resources with consequent overcrowding, and severity perception from medical staff for non-trauma patients. Extended community outreach, health promotion and support to community health workers could improve emergency care in humanitarian settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Beltrán Guzmán
- Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters, Institute of Health and Society, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Operational Centre Geneva, Médecins Sans Frontières, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Julita Gil Cuesta
- Operational Centre Brussels, Médecins Sans Frontières, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Miguel Trelles
- Operational Centre Brussels, Médecins Sans Frontières, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Omar Jaweed
- Mission Afghanistan, Médecins Sans Frontières, Kunduz, Afghanistan
| | - Sophia Cherestal
- Mission Haiti, Operational Centre Brussels, Médecins Sans Frontières, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Joris Adriaan Frank van Loenhout
- Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters, Institute of Health and Society, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Debarati Guha-Sapir
- Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters, Institute of Health and Society, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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20
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Stack RJ, Nightingale P, Jinks C, Shaw K, Herron-Marx S, Horne R, Deighton C, Kiely P, Mallen C, Raza K. Delays between the onset of symptoms and first rheumatology consultation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in the UK: an observational study. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e024361. [PMID: 30837252 PMCID: PMC6429945 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-024361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate delays from symptom onset to rheumatology assessment for patients with a new onset of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or unclassified arthritis. METHODS Newly presenting adults with either RA or unclassified arthritis were recruited from rheumatology clinics. Data on the length of time between symptom onset and first seeing a GP (patient delay), between first seeing a general practitioner (GP) and being referred to a rheumatologist (general practitioner delay) and being seen by a rheumatologist following referral (hospital delay) were captured. RESULTS 822 patients participated (563 female, mean age 55 years). The median time between symptom onset and seeing a rheumatologist was 27.2 weeks (IQR 14.1-66 weeks); only 20% of patients were seen within the first 3 months following symptom onset. The median patient delay was 5.4 weeks (IQR 1.4-26.3 weeks). Patients who purchased over-the-counter medications or used ice/heat packs took longer to seek help than those who did not. In addition, those with a palindromic or an insidious symptom onset delayed for longer than those with a non-palindromic or acute onset. The median general practitioner delay was 6.9 weeks (IQR 2.3-20.3 weeks). Patients made a mean of 4 GP visits before being referred. The median hospital delay was 4.7 weeks (IQR 2.9-7.5 weeks). CONCLUSION This study identified delays at all levels in the pathway towards assessment by a rheumatologist. However, delays in primary care were particularly long. Patient delay was driven by the nature of symptom onset. Complex multi-faceted interventions to promote rapid help seeking and to facilitate prompt onward referral from primary care should be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter Nightingale
- Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Clare Jinks
- Arthritis Research UK Primary Care Centre, Keele University, Keele, UK
| | - Karen Shaw
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Rob Horne
- UCL School of Pharmacy, UCL, London, UK
| | - Chris Deighton
- Department of Rheumatology, Derby Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Derby, UK
| | - Patrick Kiely
- Department of Rheumatology, St Georges University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Christian Mallen
- Arthritis Research UK Primary Care Centre, Keele University, Keele, UK
| | - Karim Raza
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Department of Rheumatology, Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
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Gomes RKS, de Linhares AC, Lersch LS. Prevalence and factors associated with diagnosis of early rheumatoid arthritis in the south of Brazil. Adv Rheumatol 2018; 58:35. [PMID: 30657087 DOI: 10.1186/s42358-018-0034-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease characterized by peripheral and symmetrical polyarthritis. It can be divided into Very Early Rheumatoid Arthritis (VERA) diagnosed up to 3 months of symptoms and late onset (Late Early Rheumatoid Arthritis - LERA), diagnosed between 3 and 12 months. Currently, it is recommended to evaluate the patient with joint symptoms as early as possible, and the first 12 weeks of manifestations represent the ideal phase for the diagnosis, favoring a better evolution of the treatment. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, mean time of diagnosis and to determine possible associated factors in the municipality of Blumenau, Santa Catarina, Brazil. METHODS A cross-sectional study using the 1987 American College of Rheumatology diagnostic criteria to select patients attended at primary or secondary health care units in Blumenau, Santa Catarina, southern Brazil, in 2014. Diagnostic time was verified by self-report of the time elapsed between the onset of symptoms and the diagnosis made by a rheumatologist. To test the associations, the chi-square test, the Wald linear trend test and the Poisson regression analysis were used. RESULTS The mean time of diagnosis was 28 months. The prevalence of diagnosis up to 3 and 12 months was 27.7% and 64.8%, respectively. Obesity was associated with time diagnosis in both periods. The 0-4 years category of the variable education was associated only with the period up to 12 months. CONCLUSION The mean time of diagnosis was similar to the national context. Among socioeconomic factors, lower education was associated with the diagnosis of late onset RA. The anthropometric variable presented a progressive increase in the prevalence due to the longer time to diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Kmiliauskis Santos Gomes
- Specialty Center of the City of Blumenau, Blumenau, Santa Catarina State (SC), Brazil. .,Specialty Center of the City of Brusque, Brusque, SC, Brazil. .,Centro de Referência Policlínica Lindolf Bell, Rua: Dois de Setembro, 1234 - Itoupava Norte, 3° andar, sala 1. CEP, Blumenau, SC, 89052-003, Brazil.
| | - Ana Carolina de Linhares
- School of Medicine, Regional University of Blumenau (Universidade Regional de Blumenau - FURB), Blumenau, Brazil
| | - Lucas Selistre Lersch
- School of Medicine, Regional University of Blumenau (Universidade Regional de Blumenau - FURB), Blumenau, Brazil
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Kimsey L, Weissman JS, Patel A, Drew A, Koehlmoos T, Sparks JA. Delay in initiation of DMARD or anti-inflammatory therapy in patients newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis: An analysis of United States Military Health System TRICARE beneficiaries. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2018; 48:821-827. [PMID: 30190154 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2018.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate factors associated with delay in initiation of initial disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) in patients newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort descriptive study using administrative data from the US military's TRICARE program (2007-2012). We identified incident RA cases using billing codes and initial DMARD receipt using prescription fill date. We quantified the time between RA presentation and initial DMARD receipt, evaluated temporal changes in delay over the study period, and investigated predictors of treatment delay (> 90 days) using logistic regression. RESULTS We identified 16,680 patients with incident RA that were prescribed DMARDs and mean age was 47.2 (SD 13.5) years. The mean time from initial RA presentation to first DMARD prescription receipt was 125.3days (SD 175.4). Over one-third (35.6%) of incident RA patients initiated DMARD > 90days after presentation. There was less treatment delay in later years of the study (mean days to DMARD of 144.7days in 2007; 109.7days in 2012). Patients prescribed opioids had mean time to DMARD of 212.8days (SD 207.4) compared to mean of 77.3days (SD 132.3) for those who did not use opioids (p < 0.0001). Patients prescribed opioids between RA presentation and initial DMARD receipt were more likely to have delay in initial DMARD (OR 4.07, 95% CI: 3.78-4.37). CONCLUSION In this large US nationwide study, delays in initial DMARD receipt for incident RA were common but time to treatment improved in recent years. While further analysis using clinical data is warranted, these findings suggest that limiting opioid use in patients newly presenting with RA may decrease delay in initiating DMARDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Kimsey
- Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, United States.
| | - Joel S Weissman
- Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Avni Patel
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Allison Drew
- Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, United States
| | - Tracey Koehlmoos
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jeffrey A Sparks
- Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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Ison M, Duggan E, Mehdi A, Thomas R, Benham H. Treatment delays for patients with new-onset rheumatoid arthritis presenting to an Australian early arthritis clinic. Intern Med J 2018; 48:1498-1504. [PMID: 29808525 DOI: 10.1111/imj.13972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early treatment ensures optimal outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) yet there are limited data in Australia quantifying treatment delays in clinical practice. AIMS To quantify treatment delays in new RA patients and to explore factors influencing delay and resultant patient outcomes. METHODS Data were obtained for 88 patients presenting with a new diagnosis of RA to an early arthritis clinic (EAC) in Australia between 2008 and 2015. Date and details of symptom onset, initial general practitioner (GP) presentation, GP referral and review at EAC were collected. Patient demographics and clinical features were analysed for outcomes and features predictive of delay. RESULTS Median overall delay from symptom onset to rheumatology review was 26.4 weeks. Patient delay (8.7 weeks) was the longest delay and predicted overall delay. Delays in GP referral and time to EAC review were 4 and 8.4 weeks respectively. Increased overall delay was predicted by lower fatigue and disease activity scores (DAS28) and increased tender joint counts (TJC). Patient delay was increased by socioeconomic disadvantage. Increased GP delay was associated with lower DAS28 and higher TJC and ESR. Patients seen within 16 weeks had greater improvement in DAS28 and probability of remission at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS In this Australian EAC setting, patient delay was the greatest contributor to RA treatment delay. Delays in treatment were associated with lower disease severity and socioeconomic disadvantage. Remission was more likely after prompt initiation of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Ison
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Emily Duggan
- Translational Research Institute, Diamantina Institute The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ahmed Mehdi
- Translational Research Institute, Diamantina Institute The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ranjeny Thomas
- Translational Research Institute, Diamantina Institute The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Helen Benham
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.,Translational Research Institute, Diamantina Institute The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Barhamain AS, Magliah RF, Shaheen MH, Munassar SF, Falemban AM, Alshareef MM, Almoallim HM. The journey of rheumatoid arthritis patients: a review of reported lag times from the onset of symptoms. Open Access Rheumatol 2017; 9:139-150. [PMID: 28814904 PMCID: PMC5546831 DOI: 10.2147/oarrr.s138830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Even after achieving tremendous advances in diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), many of the patients undergo delays in diagnosis and initiation of treatment, which leads to worsening of the condition and poor prognosis. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to perform a literature review to quantify the lag times in diagnosis and treatment of RA and study the reported factors associated with it. METHODS The authors searched literature published until September 2016 in electronic full-text and abstract databases and hand-searched the suitable articles. RESULTS The weighted average of median lag time from symptom onset to therapy was 11.79 months (12 studies, 5,512 patients, range 3.6-24.0 months). Lag1 was 3.14 months (onset of symptoms to first physician consultant; 12 studies, 6,055 patients, range 0-5.7 months); lag2 was 2.13 months (physician visit to RA specialist referral; 13 studies, 34,767 patients, range 0.5-6.6 months); lag3 was 2.91 months (consultation with rheumatologist to diagnosis; 3 studies, 563 patients, range 0-5 months), lag4 was 2.14 months (diagnosis to initiation of disease-modifying antirheumatic drug therapy; 5 studies, 30,685 patients, range 0-2.2 months). Numerous patient-and physician-related factors like gender, ethnicity, primary care physician knowledge of the condition, availability of diagnostics, and so on were responsible for the delays. CONCLUSION This review estimated the delay times and identified the main factors for delay in RA patients in diagnosis and initiation of treatment. A most plausible solution to this is coordinated effort by the rheumatology and primary care physicians.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Hani M Almoallim
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine
- Alzaidi Chair of Research in Rheumatic Diseases, Umm Alqura University, Makkah
- Department of Medicine, Dr Soleiman Fakeeh Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Simons G, Lumley S, Falahee M, Kumar K, Mallen CD, Stack RJ, Raza K. The pathway to consultation for rheumatoid arthritis: exploring anticipated actions between the onset of symptoms and face-to-face encounter with a healthcare professional. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2017; 18:258. [PMID: 28615051 PMCID: PMC5471998 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-017-1619-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background When people first experience symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) they often delay seeking medical attention resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment. This research assesses behaviours people might engage in prior to, or instead of, seeking medical attention and compares these with behaviours related to illnesses which are better publicised. Methods Thirty-one qualitative interviews with members of the general public explored intended actions in relation to two hypothetical RA vignettes (with and without joint swelling) and two non-RA vignettes (bowel cancer and angina). The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Analysis focused on intended information gathering and other self-management behaviours in the interval between symptom onset and help-seeking. Results Participants were more likely to envision self-managing symptoms when confronted with the symptoms of RA compared to the other vignettes. Participants would look for information to share responsibility for decision making and get advice and reassurance. Others saw no need for information seeking, perceived the information available as untrustworthy or, particularly in the case of bowel cancer and angina, would not want to delay seeking medical attention. Participants further anticipated choosing not to self-manage the symptoms; actively monitoring the symptoms (angina/ bowel cancer) or engaging in self-treatment of symptom(s). Discussion These results help define targets for interventions to increase appropriate help-seeking behaviour for people experiencing the initial symptoms of RA, such as educational interventions directed at allied healthcare professionals from whom new patients may seek information on self-management techniques, or the development of authoritative and accessible informational resources for the general public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwenda Simons
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
| | - Sophie Lumley
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Marie Falahee
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Kanta Kumar
- Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Christian D Mallen
- Arthritis Research UK Primary Care Centre, Research Institute for Primary Care & Health Sciences, Keele University, Keele, UK
| | - Rebecca J Stack
- College of Business Law & Social Sciences, School of Social Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK; Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Karim Raza
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Trust, Birmingham, UK
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Lahiri M, Santosa A, Teoh LK, Clayton JA, Lim SY, Teng GG, Cheung PPM. Use of complementary and alternative medicines is associated with delay to initiation of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug therapy in early inflammatory arthritis. Int J Rheum Dis 2017; 20:567-575. [DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.13091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Manjari Lahiri
- Department of Medicine; Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine; National University of Singapore; Singapore Singapore
- Division of Rheumatology; University Medicine Cluster; National University Health System; Singapore Singapore
| | - Amelia Santosa
- Department of Medicine; Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine; National University of Singapore; Singapore Singapore
- Division of Rheumatology; University Medicine Cluster; National University Health System; Singapore Singapore
| | - Lay Kheng Teoh
- Division of Rheumatology; University Medicine Cluster; National University Health System; Singapore Singapore
| | - Jane A. Clayton
- Department of Medicine; Ng Teng Fong General Hospital; Singapore Singapore
| | - Sheen Yee Lim
- Department of Medicine; Ng Teng Fong General Hospital; Singapore Singapore
| | - Gim Gee Teng
- Department of Medicine; Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine; National University of Singapore; Singapore Singapore
- Division of Rheumatology; University Medicine Cluster; National University Health System; Singapore Singapore
| | - Peter P. M. Cheung
- Department of Medicine; Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine; National University of Singapore; Singapore Singapore
- Division of Rheumatology; University Medicine Cluster; National University Health System; Singapore Singapore
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Ragab OM, Zayed HS, Abdelaleem EA, Girgis AE. Effect of early treatment with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and treatment adherence on disease outcome in rheumatoid arthritis patients. EGYPTIAN RHEUMATOLOGIST 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejr.2016.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Feuchtenberger M, Nigg AP, Kraus MR, Schäfer A. Rate of Proven Rheumatic Diseases in a Large Collective of Referrals to an Outpatient Rheumatology Clinic Under Routine Conditions. CLINICAL MEDICINE INSIGHTS-ARTHRITIS AND MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS 2016; 9:181-187. [PMID: 27721659 PMCID: PMC5047707 DOI: 10.4137/cmamd.s40361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Revised: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The prognostic significance of early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention in inflammatory rheumatic diseases has been well documented. However, a shortage of rheumatologists often impedes this approach in clinical practice. Therefore, it is of importance to identify those patients referred for diagnosis who would benefit most from a specialist’s care. We applied a telephone-based triage for appointment allocation during routine care. This retrospective, monocentric analysis evaluated the efficacy of our triage to identify patients with rheumatic disease with special regard to initial appointment category (elective, early arthritis clinic (EAC), or emergency appointment). Of the 1,782 patients assessed, 718 (40.3%) presented with an inflammatory rheumatic disease, and there were significant discrepancies between the appointment categories: elective 26.2%, EAC 49.2% (P < 0.001) and emergency appointment 56.6% (P < 0.001). We found that 61.2% of patients were allocated to the correct diagnostic category (inflammatory or noninflammatory) solely based on the telephone-based triage and 67.1% based on the combination of triage and C-reactive protein (CRP) count.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Feuchtenberger
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medizinische Klinik II, Kreiskliniken Altötting-Burghausen, Burghausen, Germany.; Zentrum für Innere Medizin, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Axel Philipp Nigg
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medizinische Klinik II, Kreiskliniken Altötting-Burghausen, Burghausen, Germany
| | - Michael Rupert Kraus
- Zentrum für Innere Medizin, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.; Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medizinische Klinik II, Kreiskliniken Altötting-Burghausen, Burghausen, Germany
| | - Arne Schäfer
- Zentrum für Innere Medizin, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.; Diabetes Zentrum Mergentheim, Bad Mergentheim, Germany
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Vandormael P, Verschueren P, De Winter L, Somers V. cDNA phage display for the discovery of theranostic autoantibodies in rheumatoid arthritis. Immunol Res 2016; 65:307-325. [DOI: 10.1007/s12026-016-8839-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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A novel bedside test for ACPA: the CCPoint test is moving the laboratory to the rheumatologist’s office. Immunol Res 2016; 65:363-368. [DOI: 10.1007/s12026-016-8846-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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31
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Meyfroidt S, Stevens J, De Lepeleire J, Westhovens R, De Cock D, Van der Elst K, Vanhaecht K, Verschueren P. A general practice perspective on early rheumatoid arthritis management: A qualitative study from Flanders. Eur J Gen Pract 2015; 21:231-7. [PMID: 26679974 DOI: 10.3109/13814788.2015.1084279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND General practitioners (GPs) may play a crucial role in early recognition, rapid referral and intensive treatment follow-up of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To improve early RA management, perceived barriers in general practice must be addressed. However, the general practice perspective on early RA management remains understudied. OBJECTIVE To explore GPs' experiences, beliefs and attitudes regarding detection, referral, and intensive treatment for early RA. METHODS In 2014, a qualitative study was conducted by means of individual, in depth, face-to-face interviews of a purposive sample of 13 Flemish GPs. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and coded using the constant comparative method. RESULTS GPs applied multiple assessment techniques for early RA detection and regularly prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs if they suspected early RA. However, GPs felt unconfident about their detection skills because early RA symptoms are often unclear, diagnostic tests could provide inconclusive results and the incidence is low in general practice. GPs mentioned various approaches and multiple factors determining their referral decision. Perceived referral barriers included limited availability of rheumatology services and long waiting times. GPs considered intensive treatment initiation to be the expertise of rheumatologists. Reported key barriers to intensive treatment included patients' resistance and non-adherence, lack of GP involvement and unsatisfactory collaboration with rheumatology services. CONCLUSION GPs acknowledge the importance of an early and intensive treatment, but experience various barriers in the management of early RA. GPs should enhance their skills to detect early RA and should actively be involved in early RA care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Meyfroidt
- a Department of Development and Regeneration , Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Centre, KU Leuven , Leuven , Belgium
| | - Judith Stevens
- b Department of Public Health and Primary Care , Institute for Healthcare Management & Policy, KU Leuven , Leuven , Belgium
| | - Jan De Lepeleire
- c Department of Public Health and Primary Care , Academic Centre for General Practice, KU Leuven , Leuven , Belgium
| | - Rene Westhovens
- a Department of Development and Regeneration , Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Centre, KU Leuven , Leuven , Belgium .,d Rheumatology , University Hospitals of Leuven , Leuven , Belgium , and
| | - Diederik De Cock
- a Department of Development and Regeneration , Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Centre, KU Leuven , Leuven , Belgium
| | - Kristien Van der Elst
- a Department of Development and Regeneration , Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Centre, KU Leuven , Leuven , Belgium .,d Rheumatology , University Hospitals of Leuven , Leuven , Belgium , and
| | - Kris Vanhaecht
- b Department of Public Health and Primary Care , Institute for Healthcare Management & Policy, KU Leuven , Leuven , Belgium .,e Department of Quality Management , University Hospitals of Leuven , Leuven , Belgium
| | - Patrick Verschueren
- a Department of Development and Regeneration , Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Centre, KU Leuven , Leuven , Belgium .,d Rheumatology , University Hospitals of Leuven , Leuven , Belgium , and
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Delays in Initiation of Disease-Modifying Therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: Data from a US-Based Registry. Rheumatol Ther 2015; 2:153-164. [PMID: 27747534 PMCID: PMC4883266 DOI: 10.1007/s40744-015-0019-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The goal of this study was to evaluate how frequently rheumatoid arthritis (RA) therapy is instituted promptly and to describe the characteristics of patients who are not treated early upon diagnosis. Methods The percentage of patients who at the time of enrollment in the Corrona registry were not receiving any RA-directed therapy was evaluated and their characteristics were summarized. The time to subsequent initiation of any RA-directed therapy was also estimated. Results Among 35,485 patients enrolled in Corrona, 34,735 (97.9%) were on appropriate therapy for RA and 750 (2.1%) had no history of any RA-directed therapy at time of enrollment. Among patients without any history of RA-directed therapy, the overall disease duration was 5.5 ± 9.0 years, with only 50.7% of patients having early disease (duration ≤1 year). Patients with no history of directed RA therapy did not have lower disease activity at enrollment compared with those receiving therapy. Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) was 18.3 ± 15.0; 34% of patients had high and 27.6% moderate disease activity by CDAI. Patients were followed for a median (95% CI) time of 29.5 months (24.6–33.8). During the follow-up period, 372 out of 750 (49.6%) patients initiated RA-directed therapy. The median time to initiation of any RA-directed therapy was 12.1 months (95% CI 9.3–14.8). Conclusion In this registry analysis, approximately 98% of patients were on appropriate RA therapy for their RA. However, a minority of patients with RA did not have a history of receiving disease-modifying therapy within a mean of approximately 5 years of RA onset and approximately 50% of them did not initiate any therapy within 12 months of registry follow-up. This delay in therapy did not appear to be related to a better controlled, or lower, RA disease activity state at the time of enrollment in the registry. Funding Corrona, LLC. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s40744-015-0019-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Van der Elst K, De Cock D, Vecoven E, Arat S, Meyfroidt S, Joly J, Moons P, Verschueren P, Westhovens R, CareRA study group. Are illness perception and coping style associated with the delay between symptom onset and the first general practitioner consultation in early rheumatoid arthritis management? An exploratory study within the CareRA trial. Scand J Rheumatol 2015; 45:171-8. [DOI: 10.3109/03009742.2015.1074278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K Van der Elst
- Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Centre, KU Leuven Department of Development and Regeneration, University of Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
- Centre for Health Services and Nursing Research, KU Leuven Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Leuven, Belgium
| | - D De Cock
- Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Centre, KU Leuven Department of Development and Regeneration, University of Leuven, Belgium
| | - E Vecoven
- Centre for Health Services and Nursing Research, KU Leuven Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Leuven, Belgium
| | - S Arat
- Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Centre, KU Leuven Department of Development and Regeneration, University of Leuven, Belgium
| | - S Meyfroidt
- Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Centre, KU Leuven Department of Development and Regeneration, University of Leuven, Belgium
| | - J Joly
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
| | - P Moons
- Centre for Health Services and Nursing Research, KU Leuven Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Leuven, Belgium
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
- The Heart Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | - P Verschueren
- Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Centre, KU Leuven Department of Development and Regeneration, University of Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
| | - R Westhovens
- Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Centre, KU Leuven Department of Development and Regeneration, University of Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
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De Cock D, Van der Elst K, Meyfroidt S, Verschueren P, Westhovens R. The optimal combination therapy for the treatment of early rheumatoid arthritis. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2015; 16:1615-25. [PMID: 26058860 DOI: 10.1517/14656566.2015.1056735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune condition traditionally viewed as a severe destructive disease affecting physical health and global wellbeing. The treatment strategies for RA have changed in the last decades from mainly symptomatic towards a more vigorous and targeted approach. AREA COVERED Reviewing recent literature enhanced by own expertise and research, a case is made for starting early with an intensive combination treatment with glucocorticoids, followed by a treat to target approach in a tight control setting. Implementation issues that need to be addressed to make optimal use of the 'window of opportunity' are highlighted. EXPERT OPINION There is strong evidence in favor of traditional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) combined with a remission induction scheme of glucocorticoids to achieve adequate efficacy in controlling early rheumatoid arthritis with good safety and feasibility in daily clinical practice. Furthermore, the most optimal RA treatment should address not only the physician-oriented clinical disease outcomes but also the patient perspective. There is still a need for working on improving implementation of this approach in daily practice in order to provide optimal treatment benefit to more patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diederik De Cock
- Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, KU Leuven Department of Development and Regeneration , Leuven , Belgium +016 346 350 ; +016 342 543 ;
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Mølbaek K, Hørslev-Petersen K, Primdahl J. Diagnostic Delay in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Qualitative Study of Symptom Interpretation Before the First Visit to the Doctor. Musculoskeletal Care 2015; 14:26-36. [PMID: 26052985 DOI: 10.1002/msc.1108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To prevent joint damage among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), there is a need to minimize delays from the onset of symptoms until the initiation of appropriate therapy. The present study explored the factors that have an impact on the time it takes for Danish patients with RA to approach their general practitioner (GP) with joint pain, and also how GPs respond to patients' complaints. METHODS The study was based on qualitative data collected using 11 semi-structured individual interviews. RESULTS When symptoms were obvious to patients, there was a shorter delay between symptom onset and contacting their GP. In cases where symptoms gradually worsened or were difficult to interpret, there was a longer delay. Participants with a high degree of body awareness appeared to be good at detecting when something was not normal, and they responded quickly to their symptoms. For those who regarded the doctor as a resource to which they were entitled and who were not worried about getting a diagnosis there was a shorter delay. Diffuse symptoms seemed to confuse GPs and can contribute to physician delay in the investigation process. Similarly, the presence of other diseases can result in a prolonged period before referral to a rheumatologist. CONCLUSIONS The nature and severity of symptoms are the deciding factors in their interpretation, by both the GP and the patient. Both the patient's disease recognition and his/her subsequent interaction with the doctor is influenced by the patient's body awareness and general attitude towards going to the doctor. The results showed that the greater the patient's body awareness, the better the disease recognition, the fewer barriers to contacting the GP and the shorter the delay in doing so. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Mølbaek
- King Christian X's Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Graasten, Denmark
| | - Kim Hørslev-Petersen
- Institute for Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark and King Christian X's Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Graasten, Denmark
| | - Jette Primdahl
- Institute for Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark and King Christian X's Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Graasten, Denmark
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Raza K, Filer A. The therapeutic window of opportunity in rheumatoid arthritis: does it ever close? Ann Rheum Dis 2015; 74:793-4. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-206993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Pelaez I, Infante C, Quintana R. Help-seeking trajectory in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Rheumatol 2015; 34 Suppl 1:S17-28. [PMID: 26198587 PMCID: PMC4617855 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-015-3013-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2015] [Revised: 04/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/17/2015] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Early diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) depends on the degree of fit between the characteristics of the patients and those of the health services. Ensuring timely assessment and treatment is the ideal medical care of RA. The reasons that underlay delays and the help-seeking trajectories are contextually determined. This study aims to identify the empirical evidence related to the help-seeking process and delay in RA in Latin America and to create a comprehensive model integrating the RA medical care processes of help-seeking and delay in a mixed health care system with variable accessibility. Non-systematic literature review of studies with both quantitative and qualitative methodology was conducted. Most of the research about delay and its associated variables have been undertaken in European countries and with White population and cannot be translated to the Latin America context where this research is almost inexistent. These countries have a completely different social context, and for most of the population, the health services are insufficient, inaccessible, fragmented, limited, and inequitable. Our results also show that in RA medical care utilization research, the theories and measurements of the constructs of illness trajectories, help-seeking, and accessibility are not integrated. We offer a conceptual framework that integrates help-seeking trajectories, delay, and accessibility of RA medical health services. If research on RA service utilization is to be undertaken in these countries, there is a need for a comprehensive framework than can enable researchers to integrate and contextualize the study of the problems within broad theoretical and methodological perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingris Pelaez
- Rheumatology Service, General Hospital of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Claudia Infante
- Institute for Social Research, UNAM, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Circuito Mario de la Cueva S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, C.P. 04510, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Rosana Quintana
- Provincial Hospital of Rosario, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
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Townsend A, Backman CL, Adam P, Li LC. Women's accounts of help-seeking in early rheumatoid arthritis from symptom onset to diagnosis. Chronic Illn 2014; 10:259-72. [PMID: 24567194 PMCID: PMC5760221 DOI: 10.1177/1742395314520769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As interest in gender and health grows, the notion that women are more likely than men to consult doctors is increasingly undermined as more complex understandings of help seeking and gender emerge. While men's reluctance to seek help is associated with practices of masculinities, there has been less consideration of women's help-seeking practices. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease that predominantly affects women and requires prompt treatment but considerable patient-based delays persist along the care pathway. This paper examines women's accounts of help seeking in early RA from symptom onset to diagnosis. METHODS We conducted in-depth interviews with 37 women with RA <12 months in Canada. Analysis was based on a constant comparison, thematic approach informed by narrative analysis. RESULTS The women's accounts featured masculine practices associated with men's help-seeking. The women presented such behaviours as relational, e.g. rooted in family socialisation and a determination to maintain roles and 'normal' life. DISCUSSION Our findings raise questions about how far notions of gender operate to differentiate men and women's help seeking and may indicate more similarities than differences. Recognising this has implications for policy and practice initiatives for both men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Townsend
- Arthritis Research Centre of Canada, Richmond, Vancouver, Canada, BC V6X 2C7 Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, BC V6T 2B5
| | - Catherine L Backman
- Arthritis Research Centre of Canada, Richmond, Vancouver, Canada, BC V6X 2C7 Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, BC V6T 2B5
| | - Paul Adam
- Mary Pack Arthritis Program, Vancouver, Canada, BC V5Z 1L7
| | - Linda C Li
- Arthritis Research Centre of Canada, Richmond, Vancouver, Canada, BC V6X 2C7 Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, BC V6T 1Z3
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