Efficacy of embedded nurse-led versus conventional physician-led follow-up in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Annette de Thurah, Bente Appel Esbensen, Ida Kristiane Roelsgaard, Tove Faber Frandsen, Jette Primdahl

16 Citations (Scopus)
47 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Objective To compare the efficacy of embedded nurse-led versus conventional physician-led follow-up on disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods In a systematic literature search, we identified randomised controlled trials (RCTs) reporting on the efficacy of nurse-led follow-up on disease control in patients with RA compared with physician-led follow-up. Primary outcome was disease activity indicated by Disease Activity Score (DAS)-28. Secondary outcomes were: patient satisfaction, physical disability, fatigue, self-efficacy and quality of life. Outcomes were assessed after 1-year and 2 year follow-ups. Results Seven studies representing five RCTs, including a total of 723 participants, were included. All but one study included stable patients in low disease activity or remission at baseline. No difference in DAS-28 was found after 1 year (mean difference (MD) a '0.07 (95% CI a '0.23 to 0.09)). After 2 years, a statistically significant difference was seen in favour of nurse-led follow-up (MD a '0.28 (95% CI a '0.53 to a '0.04)). However, the difference did not reach a clinically relevant level. No difference was found in patient satisfaction after 1 year (standard mean difference (SMD) a '0.17 (95 % CI a '1.0 to 0.67), whereas a statistical significant difference in favour of nurse-led follow-up was seen after 2 years (SMD: 0.6 (95% CI-0.00 to 1.20)). Conclusion After 1 year no difference in disease activity, indicated by DAS-28, were found between embedded nurse-led follow-up compared with conventional physician-led follow-up, in RA patients with low disease activity or remission.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere000481
JournalRMD Open: Rheumatic & Musculoskeletal Diseases
Volume3
Issue number2
Number of pages10
ISSN2056-5933
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2017

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Efficacy of embedded nurse-led versus conventional physician-led follow-up in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this