Development of a Patient-centered Quality Measurement Framework for Measuring, Monitoring, and Optimizing Rheumatoid...

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Health Services Research
• Quality Improvement

Background:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) care requires a comprehensive quality measurement framework.
• Prior qualitative work identified a vision and strategic objectives for RA care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a patient-centered quality measurement framework for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) care.
• To incorporate stakeholder-defined strategic objectives into the framework.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review identified 147 RA-related performance measures (PMs).
• Modified Delphi method with 17 experts and patient representatives assessed 26 candidate PMs.
• Measures rated on importance, feasibility, and priority; final set underwent public comment.

Main Results:

• A framework of 21 measures was finalized, including 15 from the Delphi process and 6 system-level measures.
• Measures cover early access, timely diagnosis, evidence-based RA care, patient-partnered care, and patient outcomes.
• The framework includes 4 measures for early access, 12 for evidence-based care, 1 for patient partnership, and 4 for outcomes.

Conclusions:

• The developed framework enhances existing RA care measures, promoting high-quality care and outcome measurement.
• Future work will involve testing the framework in clinical practice and identifying measures for areas with current gaps.