Setting priorities in arthritis care: Care III Conference

The disparity between supply and demand in arthritis services can lead to delays in diagnosis and access to effective treatments. The focus of 2005 CARE III Conference was to develop a research agenda to improve care for people with arthritis. Topics included models of care, nonpharmacological/nonsurgical interventions for arthritis, and issues around study design, outcome measures and knowledge translation and exchange. Seven priority areas emerged from the discussion: (1) Develop new, innovative arthritis care strategies; (2) Adapt and implement effective service models to address local needs; (3) Understand factors related to successful team care; (4) Match patients' needs with appropriate care models; (5) Design new or improve outcome measures for participation and quality of life; (6) Foster partnerships in sharing research evidence; and (7) Address needs for training and quality assurance.