A comparison of patient-initiated versus conventional follow-up for rheumatoid arthritis

Sands, Annette and Adams, Nicola (2009) A comparison of patient-initiated versus conventional follow-up for rheumatoid arthritis. Journal of Pain Management, 1 (4). pp. 391-400. ISSN 1939-5914

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Abstract

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are traditionally seen at regular intervals initiated by the rheumatologist. This has resulted in a high volume of costly out-patient reviews creating difficulty for out-patient services to respond to patients in times of need. Research has shown that patients prefer to initiate their own follow-up which has reduced unnecessary out-patient appointments while maintaining patients’ physical and psychological status. Aims and objectives: The aims of the study were to evaluate whether there were any differences in standardised outcome measures for rheumatoid arthritis patients participating in a patient-initiated system of follow-up compared to a conventional, rheumatologist-initiated system and secondly to explore the perspectives of these patients. Functional, psychological and satisfaction outcomes were assessed and patients’ experiences and views investigated. Methods: Comparative pragmatic study in which mixed methods were used to collect data in two phases. Eighty-eight participants completed the following questionnaires: Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales-2 Short Form, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and a visual analogue scale to measure satisfaction and confidence, and twelve patients then participated in semi-structured interviews. Results: No statistically significant differences between groups for functional, psychological and satisfaction status were found, however those who initiated their own follow-up used fewer resources, felt their appointments were less rushed and were more satisfied with the continuity of their care. Conclusion: Rheumatology services need to face the challenge of overcrowded out-patient departments by empowering patients to initiate their own follow-up care.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	B700 Nursing B900 Others in Subjects allied to Medicine
Department:	Faculties > Health and Life Sciences > Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation
Related URLs:	Publisher
Depositing User:	Ay Okpokam
Date Deposited:	01 Mar 2013 09:50
Last Modified:	07 Dec 2022 12:31
URI:	https://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/11310

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