The long-term course of the Health Assessment Questionnaire in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Objective: The Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index is an important outcome measure reflecting functional disability, but knowledge on its course over time in patients with systemic sclerosis is scarce. Therefore, we investigated the long-term course of the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index and its association with baseline characteristics in systemic sclerosis patients.

Methods: Systemic sclerosis patients, fulfilling the European League Against Rheumatism and the American College of Rheumatology 2013 criteria, were included from the Leiden Combined Care in Systemic Sclerosis cohort with annual assessments including the Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (range = 0-3).

Consensus-based recommendations on communication and education regarding primary care physical therapy for patients with systemic sclerosis.

Objective: This study aimed to develop recommendations for communication and postgraduate education regarding primary care physical therapy for systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients.

Methods: A virtual Nominal Group Technique was used with tasks forces for communication (n = 18) and education (n = 21). Both included rheumatologists, physical therapists (PTs) in primary, secondary or tertiary care, rheumatology nurses, advanced nurse practictioners and patient representatives.

Physical therapy in patients with systemic sclerosis: physical therapists' perspectives on current delivery and educational needs.

Objective: To assess the perspectives of physical therapists treating patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) on their current practice and educational needs.

Method: In July 2019, 405 SSc patients attending a multidisciplinary SSc programme received a survey on physical therapy. Patients who indicated having received physical therapy in the past 2 years were asked to invite their treating physical therapist to complete a questionnaire including sociodemographic characteristics, referral process, content of treatment, perceived knowledge and skills, and educational needs (mostly yes/no answers).

Evidence and consensus-based recommendations for non-pharmacological treatment of fatigue, hand function loss, Raynaud's phenomenon and digital ulcers in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Objective: SSc is a complex CTD affecting mental and physical health. Fatigue, hand function loss, and RP are the most prevalent disease-specific symptoms of systemic sclerosis. This study aimed to develop consensus and evidence-based recommendations for non-pharmacological treatment of these symptoms.

Physical Therapy in Systemic Sclerosis: The Patient Perspective.

Objective: To assess the use, satisfaction, needs, and preferences regarding physical therapy (PT) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods: A total of 405 SSc patients, treated in the Leiden University Medical Center multidisciplinary care program and fulfilling American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) 2013 SSc criteria, received a questionnaire containing 37 questions on use and satisfaction regarding PT over a 2-year period, and their needs and preferences for future PT.

Results: A total of 204 SSc patients (median age 63 years, 81% female) completed the questionnaire.