Decision tool to improve the quality of care in rheumatoid arthritis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Despite the importance of achieving tight control, many patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are not effectively treated with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. The objective of this study was to develop a decision support tool to inform RA patients with ongoing active disease about the risks and benefits related to biologic therapy.

Methods

We developed a balanced, web-based, decision support tool. Options, values, and probabilistic information were described using theoretically supported formulations. We conducted a pre-/posttest study to assess preliminary evidence of the tool's efficacy in improving knowledge related to biologics, clarity of values, willingness to take a biologic, and informed choice.

Results

We interviewed 104 subjects (mean age

SUBMITTER: Fraenkel L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3375390 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature