Patient initiated outpatient follow up in rheumatoid arthritis: six year randomised controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To determine whether direct access to hospital review initiated by patients with rheumatoid arthritis would result in improved clinical and psychological outcome, reduced overall use of healthcare resources, and greater satisfaction with care than seen in patients receiving regular review initiated by a rheumatologist.

Design

Two year randomised controlled trial extended to six years.

Setting

Rheumatology outpatient department in teaching hospital.

Participants

209 consecutive patients with rheumatoid arthritis for over two years; 68 (65%) in the direct access group and 52 (50%) in the control group completed the study (P = 0.04).

Main outcome measures

Clinical outcome

pain, disease activity, early morning stiffness, inflammatory indic

SUBMITTER: Hewlett S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC544988 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature