Factors influencing rheumatology residents' decision on future practice location.

Background: There are regional disparities in the distribution of Canadian rheumatologists. The objective of this study was to identify factors impacting rheumatology residents' postgraduate practice decisions to inform Canadian Rheumatology Association workforce recommendations.

Methods: An online survey was developed, and invitations were sent to all current Canadian rheumatology residents in 2019 ( = 67).

Canadian Rheumatologists' Perspectives on Moderate Psoriatic Arthritis and Oligoarticular Psoriatic Arthritis.

Objective: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) substantially impairs quality of life. Clinical trials generally focus on polyarticular PsA, but less is known about the assessment and management of oligoarticular and moderate PsA. An online survey was conducted to determine Canadian rheumatologists' perspectives on the definition and treatment of oligoarticular and moderate PsA.

Planning for the Rheumatologist Workforce: Factors Associated With Work Hours and Volumes.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate factors associated with rheumatologists' clinical work hours and patient volumes based on a national workforce survey in rheumatology.

Methods: Adult rheumatologists who participated in a 2015 workforce survey were included (n = 255). Univariate analysis evaluated the relationship between demographics (sex, age, academic vs.

Stand Up and Be Counted: Measuring and Mapping the Rheumatology Workforce in Canada.

Objective: To characterize the practicing rheumatologist workforce, the Canadian Rheumatology Association (CRA) launched the Stand Up and Be Counted workforce survey in 2015.

Methods: The survey was distributed electronically to 695 individuals, of whom 519 were expected to be practicing rheumatologists. Demographic and practice information were elicited.

Randomized Crossover Comparison of Injection Site Pain with 40 mg/0.4 or 0.8 mL Formulations of Adalimumab in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Introduction: Adalimumab, an anti-tumor necrosis factor antibody, is currently available in a 40 mg/0.8 mL formulation. The objective of this analysis was to evaluate injection site-related pain, safety, and tolerability of a 40 mg/0.

How to Attract Trainees, a Pan-Canadian Perspective: Phase 1 of the "Training the Rheumatologists of Tomorrow" Project.

Objective: To identify what learners and professionals associated with rheumatology programs across Canada recommend as ways to attract future trainees.

Methods: Data from online surveys and individual interviews with participants from 9 rheumatology programs were analyzed using the thematic framework analysis to identify messages and methods to interest potential trainees in rheumatology.

Results: There were 103 participants (78 surveyed, 25 interviewed) who indicated that many practitioners were drawn to rheumatology because of the aspects of work life, and that educational events and hands-on experiences can interest students.

Assessing the Reliability of a Semiautomated Segmentation Algorithm for Quantifying Erosions in the Metacarpophalangeal Joints of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Objective: Assess the reliability of early erosions in rheumatoid arthritis (EERA) software for quantifying erosive damage to the metacarpophalangeal joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: One hundred magnetic resonance image sets from 68 patients with early referral RA were evaluated. Reliability was assessed using 95% limits of agreement and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) with 95% CI.

A double-blind, randomized controlled trial to compare the effect of biannual peripheral magnetic resonance imaging, radiography and standard of care disease progression monitoring on pharmacotherapeutic escalation in rheumatoid and undifferentiated inflammatory arthritis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Permanent joint damage is a major consequence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the most common and destructive form of inflammatory arthritis. In aggressive disease, joint damage can occur within 6 months from symptom onset. Early, intensive treatment with conventional and biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can delay the onset and progression of joint damage.

Effect of rheumatologist education on systematic measurements and treatment decisions in rheumatoid arthritis: the metrix study.

Objective: To determine whether an educational intervention could result in changes in physicians' practice behavior.

Methods: Twenty rheumatologists performed a prospective chart audit of 50 consecutive patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and again after 6 months. Ten were randomized to the educational intervention: monthly Web-based conferences on the value of systematic assessments in RA, recent evidence-based information, practice efficiency, and other topics; this group also read articles on targeting care in RA.

Serious infections in a population-based cohort of 86,039 seniors with rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective: To assess risk and risk factors for serious infections in seniors with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using a case-control study nested within an RA cohort.

Methods: We assembled a retrospective RA cohort age ≥66 years from Ontario health administrative data across 1992-2010. Nested case-control analyses were done, comparing RA patients with a primary diagnosis of infection (based on hospital or emergency department records) to matched RA controls.

Screening for signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis by family physicians and nurse practitioners using the Gait, Arms, Legs, and Spine musculoskeletal examination.

Objective: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the Gait, Arms, Legs, and Spine (GALS) examination to screen for signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) when used by family physicians and nurse practitioners.

Methods: Participating health care professionals (2 rheumatologists, 3 family physicians, and 3 nurse practitioners) were trained to perform the GALS examination by viewing an instructional DVD and attending a training workshop. One week after training, the health care professionals performed the GALS examination on 20 individuals with RA and 21 individuals without RA.

Safety and effectiveness of adalimumab in a clinical setting that reflects Canadian standard of care for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA): results from the CanACT study.

Background: This multicenter, open-label, prospective, single cohort study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of adalimumab in a clinical setting reflecting the Canadian standard of care for the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: Patients ≥ 18 years of age with a history of active RA ≥ 3 months and fulfilling Canadian requirements for biological therapy received adalimumab 40 mg subcutaneously every other week for 12 weeks. Pre-study DMARD treatment regimens, corticosteroids, or NSAIDs were allowed throughout the study.

The sensitivity, specificity and reliability of the GALS (gait, arms, legs and spine) examination when used by physiotherapists and physiotherapy students to detect rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective: To evaluate the sensitivity, specificity and reliability of the gait, arms, legs and spine (GALS) examination to detect signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis when used by physiotherapy students and physiotherapists.

Methods: Two physiotherapy students and two physiotherapists were trained to perform the GALS examination by viewing an instructional DVD and attending a workshop. Two rheumatologists familiar with the GALS examination also participated in the workshop.

Quality care in seniors with new-onset rheumatoid arthritis: a Canadian perspective.

Objective: To estimate the percentage of seniors with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) receiving disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) within the first year of diagnosis.

Methods: We assembled an incident RA cohort from Ontario physician billing data for 1997-2006. We used a standard algorithm to identify 24,942 seniors with RA based on ≥ 2 billing codes ≥ 60 days apart but within 5 years.

Validation of the GALS musculoskeletal screening exam for use in primary care: a pilot study.

Background: As the proportion of the Canadian population > or =65 grows, so too does the prevalence of musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. Approximately 20% of visits to family physicians occur as a result of MSK complaints. The GALS (Gait, Arms, Legs, and Spine) screening examination was developed to assist in the detection of MSK abnormalities.

Group psychotherapy reduces illness intrusiveness in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective: We investigated whether brief supportive-expressive group psychotherapy might reduce illness-induced interference with valued activities and interests (i.e., illness intrusiveness) among women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in relation to 3 life domains: (1) relationships and personal development (family relationships, other social relationships, self-expression), (2) intimacy (relationship with spouse, sex life), and/or (3) instrumental life (work, finances, active recreation).

Counterbalancing patient demands with evidence: results from a pan-Canadian randomized clinical trial of brief supportive-expressive group psychotherapy for women with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of Brief Supportive-Expressive Group Psychotherapy as an adjunct to standard medical care in reducing psychological distress, medical symptoms, and health care costs and improving quality of life in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted with 133 SLE female patients from 9 clinics across Canada. Clinical and psychosocial measures were taken at baseline, posttreatment, and 6 and 12 months posttreatment.