Physiotherapy in rheumatoid arthritis: development of a practice guideline.

Background: To improve the quality of the physiotherapy management in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) a Dutch practice guideline, based on current scientific evidence and best practice, was developed. This guideline comprised all elements of a structured approach (assessment, treatment and evaluation) and was based on the Internatio-nal Classification of Functioning, disability and Health (ICF) and the ICF core sets for RA.

Methods: A guideline steering committee, comprising 10 expert physiotherapists, selected topics concerning the guideline chapters initial assessment, treatment and evaluation.

A system of networks and continuing education for physical therapists in rheumatology: a feasibility study.

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility of regional physical therapy networks including continuing education in rheumatology. The aim of these networks was to improve care provided by primary care physical therapists by improving specific knowledge, technical and communicative skills and the collaboration with rheumatologists.

Methods: In two regions in The Netherlands continuing education (CE) programmes, consisting of a 5-day postgraduate training course followed by bimonthly workshops and teaching practices, were organised simultaneously.

Translation, adaptation and validation of the Shoulder Rating Questionnaire (SRQ) into the Dutch language.

Objective: To translate and adapt the original English version of the Shoulder Rating Questionnaire (SRQ) into the Dutch language (SRQ-DLV) and evaluate its internal consistency, reliability, validity and responsiveness to clinical changes.

Design: Prospective study.

Setting: Outpatient departments of orthopaedics, radiology and physical therapy of an academic and a non-academic hospital.

Adherence and satisfaction of rheumatoid arthritis patients with a long-term intensive dynamic exercise program (RAPIT program).

Objective: To evaluate adherence and satisfaction of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a long-term intensive dynamic exercise program.

Methods: A total of 146 RA patients started an intensive (strength and endurance training for 75 minutes, twice a week, for 2 years) exercise program (Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients In Training) aimed at improving physical fitness. Program attendance and satisfaction were examined.

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