Implementing a patient-initiated review system for people with rheumatoid arthritis: a prospective, comparative service evaluation.

Rationale, Aims And Objectives: The management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) usually entails regular hospital reviews with a specialist often when the patient is well rather than during a period of exacerbation. An alternative approach where patients initiate appointments when they need them can improve patient satisfaction and resource use whilst being safe. This service evaluation reports a system-wide implementation of a patient-initiated review appointment system called Direct Access (DA) for people with RA.