Characteristic-specific rates of rheumatoid arthritis and its management in Australian general practice

A 2006-16 study investigated rheumatoid arthritis (RA) management by Australian general practitioners (GPs). The aim of this study was to examine: GP-patient encounters for RA management over the decade, treatments provided for RA management (new and continuing), characteristics of patients managed and of GPs providing management, and differences across regional areas and areas of socioeconomic advantage/disadvantage, compared with Australian guidelines.

GP self-reported data collected through the Bettering the Evaluation And Care of Health (BEACH) program were analysed for patient and GP characteristics and management actions (medications, referrals, investigations, procedures) nationally, regionally and by socioeconomic advantage/disadvantage levels.

Proportions of RA management encounters: remained static across the decade, were higher for female patients, increased with patient and GP age, increased with socioeconomic disadvantage in major cities, were higher for patients from English-speaking backgrounds, and were higher in regional/remote areas.

GP behaviour indicates equity and uniformity in RA management nationally. The results suggest adherence to current guidelines for total and new RA contacts.