Specialized rheumatology nurse substitutes for rheumatologists in the diagnostic process of fibromyalgia: a cost-consequence analysis and a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To perform a cost-consequence analysis of the substitution of specialized rheumatology nurses (SRN) for rheumatologists (RMT) in the diagnostic process of fibromyalgia (FM), using both a healthcare and societal perspective and a 9-month period.

Methods: Alongside a randomized controlled trial, we measured costs and consequences of a nurse-led diagnostic consult (SRN group, n = 97) versus a rheumatologist-led diagnostic consult [usual care (UC) group, n = 96]. Patients were followed for 9 months.

The feasibility and efficacy of a multidisciplinary intervention with aftercare meetings for fibromyalgia.

The objective of this study is to examine the feasibility and long-term results of a 12-week multidisciplinary part-time daycare intervention with five aftercare meetings in fibromyalgia (FM) patients. One hundred and five patients diagnosed with FM started with a multidisciplinary intervention and were assessed for feasibility, functional status (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire [FIQ]), and quality of life (EuroQol-5D [EQ-5D]) until 9 months after completion. The program consisted of sociotherapy, physiotherapy, psychotherapy, and creative arts therapy.

Therapeutic approaches to fibromyalgia in the Netherlands: a comparison between 1998 and 2005.

Rationale: In this study, information was gathered from five disciplines on their usual management methods for fibromyalgia (FM) in order to asses whether treatment regimens have changed in the Netherlands during a period of 6 years. In addition, insight was gained into the therapeutic motives of the professionals.

Method: A questionnaire was sent to a sample of 150 persons per discipline: general practitioners (GPs), rheumatologists (RMTs), rehabilitation specialists (RS), physical therapists and psychologists.