Patient initiated outpatient follow up in rheumatoid arthritis: six year randomised controlled trial.

Objectives: To determine whether direct access to hospital review initiated by patients with rheumatoid arthritis would result in improved clinical and psychological outcome, reduced overall use of healthcare resources, and greater satisfaction with care than seen in patients receiving regular review initiated by a rheumatologist.

Design: Two year randomised controlled trial extended to six years.

Setting: Rheumatology outpatient department in teaching hospital.

Effectiveness of ear syringing in general practice: a randomised controlled trial and patients' experiences.

Background: Ear syringing is a common procedure performed for a variety of symptoms in primary care. Reports of its effectiveness vary considerably and no randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have been performed.

Aim: To estimate the effect of ear syringing on hearing thresholds and on symptoms leading to ear syringing in general practice.

General practitioners' knowledge of functional and social factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

The care of people with chronic physical disease is an important part of the work of general practitioners (GPs). Knowledge of social and functional factors, and good teamwork with other health and social care professionals, are necessary to provide high quality general practice care. This study investigated functional disability, social situation and the involvement of health and social care professionals in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and their GPs' knowledge of these factors.