Key steps and barriers in the journey of patients with epilepsy through the National Healthcare System in Spain: The EPIPASS qualitative study.

Objective: Epilepsy requires continuous medical attention from multiple healthcare specialists, specialized facilities, and community-based care. In Spain, there is no standardized approach to epilepsy care. The aim of this study was to identify the factors impacting on the delivery of high-quality care by exploring key steps and barriers along the patient journey through the Spanish National Healthcare System (NHS).

EULAR recommendations for the non-pharmacological core management of hip and knee osteoarthritis: 2023 update.

Introduction: Hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA) are increasingly common with a significant impact on individuals and society. Non-pharmacological treatments are considered essential to reduce pain and improve function and quality of life. EULAR recommendations for the non-pharmacological core management of hip and knee OA were published in 2013.

Development and feasibility of 4 checklists for the evaluation of comorbidity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis and psoriatic arthritis: GECOAI Project.

Objective: To develop and assess the feasibility in daily practice of four comorbidity checklists, for common use in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Methods: A multidisciplinary panel of experts on comorbidity was established. Data from the GECOAR, GECOAX and GECOAP projects were analysed and a narrative literature review in Medline on RA, axSpA and PsA comorbidity was performed in order to select the most relevant and common comorbidities across the three diseases.

Development and feasibility of 4 checklists for the evaluation of comorbidity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis and psoriatic arthritis: GECOAI Project.

Objective: To develop and assess the feasibility in daily practice of four comorbidity checklists, for common use in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Methods: A multidisciplinary panel of experts on comorbidity was established. Data from the GECOAR, GECOAX and GECOAP projects were analysed and a narrative literature review in Medline on RA, axSpA and PsA comorbidity was performed in order to select the most relevant and common comorbidities across the three diseases.

Patients' Experience and Needs During Perioperative Care: A Focus Group Study.

Purpose: Information regarding patients' needs, fears and experiences/perceptions in the perioperative setting is limited. Through two focus groups, we explored the needs, fears and experiences of patients who had recently undergone, or were scheduled for, surgery under general anaesthesia, with regard to the entire perioperative process.

Materials And Methods: Adults were invited to participate in a focus group if they had (a) undergone abdominal or gynaecological surgery with general anaesthesia in the past 4 months (focus group 1) or (b) been indicated for abdominal or gynaecological surgery and were waiting for the assigned surgery date (focus group 2).

Financial fraud and health: the case of Spain.

Objective: To examine whether financial fraud is associated with poor health sleeping problems and poor quality of life.

Methods: Pilot study (n=188) conducted in 2015-2016 in Madrid and León (Spain) by recruiting subjects affected by two types of fraud (preferred shares and foreign currency mortgages) using venue-based sampling. Information on the monetary value of each case of fraud; the dates when subjects became aware of being swindled, lodged legal claim and received financial compensation were collected.

Educational needs of health professionals working in rheumatology in Europe.

Objective: To explore the availability of postgraduate education for health professionals (HPs) working in rheumatology in Europe, and their perceived educational needs and barriers for participation in current educational offerings.

Methods: Structured interviews were conducted with national representatives of rheumatology HPs' organisations and an online survey among individual HPs was disseminated through existing European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) networks (10 languages including English). These comprised questions on: availability of postgraduate education, familiarity with EULAR and its educational offerings, unmet needs regarding the contents and mode of delivery and potential barriers to participate in education (0-10 scales).

[Safe prescription recommendations for non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: Consensus document ellaborated by nominated experts of three scientific associations (SER-SEC-AEG)].

This article outlines key recommendations for the appropriate prescription of non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to patients with different musculoskeletal problems. These recommendations are based on current scientific evidence, and takes into consideration gastrointestinal and cardiovascular safety issues. The recommendations have been agreed on by experts from three scientific societies (Spanish Society of Rheumatology [SER], Spanish Association of Gastroenterology [AEG] and Spanish Society of Cardiology [SEC]), following a two-round Delphi methodology.

Safe prescription recommendations for non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: consensus document ellaborated by nominated experts of three scientific associations (SER-SEC-AEG).

This article outlines key recommendations for the appropriate prescription of non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to patients with different musculoskeletal problems. These recommendations are based on current scientific evidence, and takes into consideration gastrointestinal and cardiovascular safety issues. The recommendations have been agreed on by experts from three scientific societies (Spanish Society of Rheumatology [SER], Spanish Association of Gastroenterology [AEG] and Spanish Society of Cardiology [SEC]), following a two-round Delphi methodology.

Performance of the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society criteria for the classification of spondyloarthritis in early spondyloarthritis clinics participating in the ESPERANZA programme.

Objective: The objective of this study was to analyse the performance of the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS) criteria for the classification of SpA in early SpA clinics.

Methods: We used a cross-sectional study of patients referred to early SpA units within the ESPERANZA programme (a Spanish nationwide health management programme designed to provide excellence in diagnosis and care for early SpA). Patients were eligible if they were <45 years of age and had any of the following: (i) a 2-year history of inflammatory back pain; (ii) back or joint pain with psoriasis, anterior uveitis, radiographic sacroiliitis, family history of SpA or positive HLA-B27; or (iii) asymmetric arthritis.

Association of biomarkers of inflammation, cartilage and bone turnover with gender, disease activity, radiological damage and sacroiliitis by magnetic resonance imaging in patients with early spondyloarthritis.

To assess the association between biomarkers of inflammation, cartilage and bone turnover with gender, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) and bone marrow oedema in resonance magnetic imaging (MRI) of sacroiliac joints (SIJs) and radiological damage in early spondyloarthritis (SpA). Cross-sectional study of 60 patients (56.7 % females; mean age, 32.

Are spondyloarthropathies adequately referred from primary care to specialized care?

Objective: To evaluate the degree of agreement between primary care physicians and rheumatologists when evaluating the referral criteria in patients with suspected early spondyloarthropathy (Spa).

Material And Methods: Patients with suspected early Spa (according to predefined clinical referral criteria) were sent by primary care physicians to early Spa units (where a rheumatologist evaluated the same criteria and confirmed the diagnosis) through an on-line platform. We assessed the agreement between primary care physicians and rheumatologists regarding the predefined clinical referral criteria among patients with definitive Spa using the kappa index (k).

Implications of a new radiological approach for the assessment of Paget disease.

In the present study, we quantified the proportion of skeletal involvement of Paget disease of bone (PDB) not captured by an abdominal X-ray. We also analyzed extension and severity over time and tested the hypothesis that X-rays from selected areas could replace bone scans for mapping PBD. We examined whole skeletal (99m)TC-MDP bone scans from 208 consecutive untreated patients.

Motivations and objections to implement a spondyloarthritis integrated care pathway. A qualitative study with primary care physicians.

Background And Objectives: Previous to the development of a clinical pathway (CP) for early spondyloarthritis (SpA), a qualitative study was performed to know the attitude of primary care physicians (PCP) with respect to CP implementation.

Methods: 5 discussion groups (2 in Madrid, 2 in Barcelona and 1 in Sevilla) and 3 interviews in Bilbao, were performed. PCP with different profiles were included.

Fibromyalgia Health Assessment Questionnaire: sensitivity to change.

Objective: To analyze the responsiveness of the Fibromyalgia Health Assessment Questionnaire (FHAQ) in a group of patients with fibromyalgia (FM).

Methods: Observational, prospective and longitudinal study related to the project ICAF was taken part in 15 Spanish centers. 232 patients were included and diagnosed of FM: 98.

A model for the development and implementation of a national plan for the optimal management of early spondyloarthritis: the Esperanza Program.

Objectives: To evaluate the performance of a healthcare programme in early spondyloarthritis (SpA).

Methods: Based on previous analyses and expectations of a nominal group, the following were set: (1) minimum standards to create early SpA units; (2) standard operating procedures; and (3) eight performance indicators that can be measured in real time using a web-based platform.

Results: At the end of the evaluation of the programme the expected level of performance was achieved in three of the indicators: 'referral reliability' (standard (S) >50%, real value (RV) 92%), 'accessibility' (S >90%, RV=91%) and 'duration of first visit' (S >50%, RV=53%).

[Appropriate use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in rheumatology: guidelines from the Spanish Society of Rheumatology and the Mexican College of Rheumatology].

Objective: To develop guidelines for the appropriate use of NSAIDs in rheumatology.

Methods: We used a methodology modified from the one developed by RAND/UCLA. Two groups of panellists were selected, one by the CMR and another by the SER.

Prevalence of Paget's disease of bone in Spain.

Introduction: Epidemiological studies in Europe have revealed that the prevalence of Paget's disease of bone (PDB) has marked geographic variations. At present, the prevalence of PDB in Spain is unknown, limited to data from isolated towns or centers. We conducted a radiological national-based survey, to estimate the age and sex prevalence of PDB and its geographic variation within the country.