Better arthritis care: Patients' expectations and priorities, the competencies that community‐based health professionals need to improve their care of people with arthritis?

Abstract

OA and IA differ significantly, both in their nature and their management. However, patients with arthritis want health professionals working in the community to be able to take a holistic approach to arthritis, with an understanding not just of the physical effects, but also their impact on the lives of patients, their family and their wider social circle, and on their ability to participate. People with OA want their condition to be taken seriously and to be offered appropriate management options, while people with IA want professionals to understand the unpredictability of their condition and to have a basic understanding of the drugs used for its treatment.

2019 EULAR recommendations for the generic core competences of health professionals in rheumatology

“…In total, 79 papers were included; 20 addressed the competences HPRs of multiple professions have in common,1 3 4 9 12–27 43 the competences of nurses,28–70 12 of PTs71–82 and four of OTs 83–86. From the 20 papers addressing the competences HPRs of multiple professions have in common, 75% (n=15) had a qualitative design 1 3 4 9 12 13 15 16 18–20 23 25–27. The rest consisted of two systematic reviews,11 21 one quantitative study,14 one mixed design study9 and one opinion paper 19.…”

“…This knowledge should include the prognosis and progression of RMDs 23. It is stressed in particular that HPRs should be able to understand and distinguish between inflammatory arthritis (IA) and osteoarthritis (OA) 16. Finally, evidence supports that HPRs should have knowledge on the impact of RMDs on all aspects of life, that is, all components of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) 9 23…”

“…There is substantial evidence on HPRs’ competences regarding the performance of a structured and comprehensive assessment 1 3 4 9 14 16 17 20–23 25. Such a structured, comprehensive assessment is needed to understand the impact of the RMD on the individual; not only on his or her physical or mental health but also on relationships with family and friends, and on societal participation 3 4 9 16. For that purpose, the assessment should be based on a biopsychosocial model 3 4 13 16 20 21.…”

“…Such a structured, comprehensive assessment is needed to understand the impact of the RMD on the individual; not only on his or her physical or mental health but also on relationships with family and friends, and on societal participation 3 4 9 16. For that purpose, the assessment should be based on a biopsychosocial model 3 4 13 16 20 21. Two studies reported that a basic understanding of the ICF could serve this purpose16 21 (see Overarching Principle 1).…”

“…For that purpose, the assessment should be based on a biopsychosocial model 3 4 13 16 20 21. Two studies reported that a basic understanding of the ICF could serve this purpose16 21 (see Overarching Principle 1). The structured assessment includes an exploration of the individuals’ perceptions, concerns, ideas or beliefs about their symptoms and condition, as these may act as a driver or form a barrier to recovery or a return to usual activity or work 4 20.…”