Illustrations of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms to promote communication between patients and physicians.

Objectives: To develop an illustrative tool presenting visualized rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms using pictures to promote better understanding between patients and physicians.

Methods: A tool named 'Okomarigoto Sheet' was developed through an internet survey of patients with RA and certified rheumatologists by repeated in-person interviews.

Results: An internet survey on the reality of communication between patients with RA and physicians in 200 patients and 200 certified rheumatologists revealed various local and systemic symptoms of RA and difficulties in sharing those symptoms between patients and physicians during a short consultation.

Patients' perspectives of rheumatoid arthritis treatment: a questionnaire survey for the 2020 update of the Japan college of rheumatology clinical practice guidelines.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate patients' opinions regarding their rheumatoid arthritis (RA) therapy and to reflect the patients' perspectives in the 2020 update of the Japan College of Rheumatology clinical practice guidelines.

Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was mailed to 1600 members of the Japan Rheumatology Friendship Association, who were randomly selected by age and prefecture.

Results: A total of 1156 patients returned the questionnaire (response rate, 72.

Patient satisfaction with total joint replacement surgery for rheumatoid arthritis: a questionnaire survey for the 2020 update of the Japan college of rheumatology clinical practice guidelines.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate satisfaction with total joint replacement (TJR) surgery among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: We mailed questionnaires to randomly selected members of the Japan Rheumatism Friendship Association, stratified by age and prefecture, throughout Japan. The questionnaire collected demographic and clinical characteristics as well as patients' satisfaction with TJR and their current therapy.

Efficacy and safety of tacrolimus in patients with rheumatoid arthritis - A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus in adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by using the GRADE approach.

Methods: We searched PubMed, Japana Centra Revuo Medicina Web (Ichu-shi web), and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Articles fulfilling the predefined inclusion criteria were appraised and used for meta-analysis.

Integrating patients' perceptions into clinical practice guidelines for the management of rheumatoid arthritis in Japan.

Objective: Patients' values and preferences are among the key factors that determine the strength of recommendations presented in clinical practice guidelines (CPG). The aim of this study was to summarize the integration process for patients' perceptions into the development of CPG for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) management in Japan.

Methods: We used a mixed-methods approach.

The process of collecting and evaluating evidences for the development of Guidelines for the management of rheumatoid arthritis, Japan College of Rheumatology 2014: Utilization of GRADE approach.

Objectives: To describe the process of collecting and evaluating evidence for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for developing clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for rheumatologists in Japan.

Methods: The task force comprised rheumatologists, epidemiologists, health economists, and patients. First, the critical outcomes were determined according to a three-round Delphi method, and eight topics with 88 clinical questions (CQs) were formulated.

Postoperative complications in patients with rheumatoid arthritis using a biological agent - A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: To evaluate, through a systematic review of the literature, the association between the use of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) and surgical site infection (SSI) or wound healing delay after orthopedic surgery in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: A systematic review of articles indexed in the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Web of Science from 1992 to 2012 was performed. The search aimed to identify studies describing SSI or wound healing delay in patients with RA treated with or without bDMARDs.

Bone and joint disease around the world. The Japan Rheumatism Friendship Association.

The Japan Rheumatism Friendship Association (JRFA) was founded in 1960 and today has a membership of about 23,000, with 47 chapters across the country. We periodically conduct a survey of our membership for the Rheumatism White Paper, which we have been publishing since the JRFA was formed. The entire membership is surveyed every 5 years; surveys give an accurate picture of the current state of the disease and reflect the fundamental activities of the JRFA; they shed light on progress in developing effective measures against arthritis, and give people a better understanding of rheumatism.