Providing patients with information about disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs: Individually or in groups? A pilot randomized controlled trial comparing adherence and satisfaction.

Background: Communicating information about disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) before patients start treatment is a key role for some rheumatology clinical nurse specialists. This is done in our unit to promote understanding of the risks and benefits of drug therapy and encourage timely and reliable use of DMARDs. Information is routinely provided individually but this can lead to delays in starting treatment because of limited nursing resources.

Hepatotoxicity associated with sulfasalazine in inflammatory arthritis: A case series from a local surveillance of serious adverse events.

Background: Spontaneous reporting systems for adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are handicapped by under-reporting and limited detail on individual cases. We report an investigation from a local surveillance for serious adverse drug reactions associated with disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs that was triggered by the occurrence of liver failure in two of our patients.

Methods: Serious ADR reports have been solicited from local clinicians by regular postcards over the past seven years.

Patient self-injection of methotrexate for inflammatory arthritis: a study evaluating the introduction of a new type of syringe and exploring patients' sense of empowerment.

Objectives: To evaluate the introduction of a new type of syringe for patients on a self-injection of methotrexate (MTX) programme and explore patients' sense of empowerment relating to the self-injection of MTX.

Methods: Data were collected using a postal questionnaire, which yielded quantitative and qualitative data. The questionnaire was sent to all eligible patients in the primary care setting who self-injected MTX (n=24).

Benchmarking the nurse consultant role in rheumatology.

This article demonstrates how the four core standards for the nurse consultant role have been developed and applied in the field of rheumatology. The authors suggest that the standards: expert practice, leadership and service redesign, research and education, are relevant for consultant nurses in all specialties. The standards can be used by other nurse consultants to benchmark their practice.

Monitoring and assessing the safety of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs: a West Midlands experience.

Background: Serious adverse events may occur from the use of disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. We describe preliminary data from a regional surveillance scheme. Our aims were to identify a broad range of potential adverse events, to identify deficiencies in care and examine the management of common events in order to improve care.

A study of parenteral use of methotrexate in rheumatic conditions.

1. This paper reports the findings of a small pragmatic study to compare the safety and efficacy of methotrexate administered by intramuscular and subcutaneous injection, and to teach patients to self-administer methotrexate by the subcutaneous route. 2.