Document Detail


An evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of a register of newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis, 1986-2010.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  20929970     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a register of management and outcomes of recently diagnosed RA, and allow comparisons between rheumatology centres on good clinical practice and guidelines.
METHODS: A register of newly diagnosed RA was initiated in 1986 in nine different regions of England, later expanded to UK-wide membership in 2002. Standardized data collection includes disease activity, function, radiological damage, therapy, hospitalizations, major comorbidity and mortality. A centralized database generates individual reports and comparative data for each centre yearly. Aims have been compared with actual achievements and any changes over 25 years.
RESULTS: Thirty rheumatology centres have recruited 2866 patients. Study outputs have included peer-reviewed scientific publications and contributions to the recent National Audit Office report on RA. Referral times into secondary care have changed little over 25 years, but time to initiation of drug therapies has decreased. Delays between publication of clinical trial evidence and management guidelines and their implementation in normal clinical practice are illustrated by relatively infrequent use of combination therapies at diagnosis. Consecutive case recruitment, centre participation and follow-up were reportedly compromised by local funding issues. Centre participants report a benefit from feedback of actual clinical practice compared with recommended standards of care.
CONCLUSIONS: Most of the original objectives have been achieved. Cohort studies based predominantly in District General Hospitals provide unique insights into the natural history and impact of RA, its management, the translation of research findings into clinical practice and provide participating centres with important clinical governance and professional development opportunities.
Authors:
Adam Young; Josh Dixey; Peter Williams; Peter Prouse; Nigel Cox; Patrick Kiely; Richard Williams; David Walsh
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't     Date:  2010-10-07
Journal Detail:
Title:  Rheumatology (Oxford, England)     Volume:  50     ISSN:  1462-0332     ISO Abbreviation:  Rheumatology (Oxford)     Publication Date:  2011 Jan 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2010-12-14     Completed Date:  2011-09-12     Revised Date:  2011-12-01    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  100883501     Medline TA:  Rheumatology (Oxford)     Country:  England    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  176-83     Citation Subset:  AIM; IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Rheumatology, St Albans City Hospital, Waverley Road, St Albans AL3 5PN, UK. adam.young@whht.nhs.uk
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use*
Arthritis, Rheumatoid / diagnosis*,  drug therapy,  epidemiology,  physiopathology
Clinical Trials as Topic
Cohort Studies
Databases, Factual / standards
Early Diagnosis*
Great Britain / epidemiology
Humans
Ireland / epidemiology
Registries / standards*
Grant Support
ID/Acronym/Agency:
//Arthritis Research UK
Chemical
Reg. No./Substance:
0/Antirheumatic Agents

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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