Team versus non-team outpatient care in rheumatoid arthritis. A comprehensive outcome evaluation including an overall health measure.
In a rheumatology department, 2 randomized groups of female outpatients with rheumatoid arthritis were studied prospectively for 1 year. The outcome of multidisciplinary team care (T group, 31 patients) was compared with that of regular outpatient clinic care (NT group, 28 patients). Pharmacologic treatment and orthopedic specialist consultations were similar in both groups, but use of paramedical care was higher in the T group. Outcome measures of disease activity, specific joint function, and self-rated physical discomfort disclosed no significant differences between the 2 groups. Mental well-being increased in the T group. Overall health, measured by the Sickness Impact Profile, improved significantly only in the T group. This improvement was also significant compared with the NT group.
Ahlmen
M
M
Department of Rheumatology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Sullivan
M
M
Bjelle
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D003191:Comprehensive Health Care; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011897:Random Allocation
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents