Developing multidisciplinary guidelines for the management of early rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective: To develop an evidence based guideline, for the multidisciplinary management of early rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: Recommendations were developed using both an evidence-based approach and expert opinion. The scientific committee, composed of key members of the rheumatology multidisciplinary team used a Delphi approach to evaluate topics and standard statements, which formed the basis for developing recommendations for management of RA in the first 2 years of disease.

Evidence-based management for polymyalgia rheumatica for rheumatology practitioners, nurses and physiotherapists.

Evidence-based practice is an increasingly popular term, used in a variety of clinical settings and situations. Practitioners are encouraged to use best evidence as part of clinical decision-making when caring for individual patients. This evidence, combined with practitioner expertise and knowledge, aims to inform practice, ensuring that accurate, effective and safe treatment options are utilized.

An evaluation of nurse-led rheumatology telephone clinics.

Aims And Objectives: The aim of the study was to examine the impact on waiting times and patient satisfaction of nurse-led rheumatology telephone clinics.

Methods: Patients awaiting outpatient review were contacted by the rheumatology clerk and offered a nurse-led rheumatology telephone appointment. Those who accepted were given a date and time for the appointment.

Nurse prescribing in rheumatology: a case study.

This case study outlines the clinical management, and in particular the drug management, of a patient with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) in secondary care. The lady in question, Mrs Adams (pseudonym as per NMC Guidelines), is under the care of the consultant rheumatologist. Within this clinical setting, and in conjunction with an appropriate, agreed clinical management plan, this paper demonstrates that the nurse consultant can effectively manage Mrs Adams' care and treatment.

Benchmarking the nurse consultant role in rheumatology.

This article demonstrates how the four core standards for the nurse consultant role have been developed and applied in the field of rheumatology. The authors suggest that the standards: expert practice, leadership and service redesign, research and education, are relevant for consultant nurses in all specialties. The standards can be used by other nurse consultants to benchmark their practice.