Measures of outcome in patients with inflammatory arthritis

Musculoskeletal disorders account for 15-20% of general practitioner (GP) consultations and cause significant morbidity and disability. Although rheumatology nursing is regarded as a partnership between the practitioner and patient, it remains a relatively tough task to generate a letter summarizing the outcome of clinical assessment and decisions made regarding the patients' management.

To assess the validity of a developed pro forma letter that summarizes the outcome measures of patients suffering from inflammatory arthritis, as assessed in secondary care, and to assess the comprehensibility of this new model.

The outcome measures of 184 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (99), as well as seronegative inflammatory arthritis (85) were reviewed. A pro forma was designed to summarize the outcome of the clinical assessment.

Fifty-five males (29.9%) and 129 (70.1%) females were included with a mean age of 44.3 years and standard deviation of 14.5 (age range 22-81 years); duration of illness was variable and ranged between 4 months and 28 years. The pro forma showed a strong validity when compared to patients' data records (range 0.89-0.97). All GPs rated it as comprehensible (comprehensibility rate 80.8%).

The pro forma is a valid instrument that can be used in clinical practice. It offers an option that is well accepted by rheumatology nurses, rheumatologists, as well as GPs. The letter was found to be a significantly better tool for informing GPs about patients' medical condition, possible risks and management plan.