Care in the Control Group (CG): was that provided by the General Practitioners, with basic diagnostic and therapeutic procedures without specified protocols.

Early Intervention Programa (IG): Patients assigned to the intervention group after the randomization were offered an immediate appointment. Patients, who voluntarily accepted, were attended by 2 rheumatologists. The rheumatologists acted as principal care providers in regular visits, home visits and phone contacts. The visits were structured following specific proceedings for the different diagnoses based on previously demonstrated approaches. Such protocols included education and promotion of independence, pharmacological and no pharmacological treatment, and timing of diagnostic tests in a stepwise manner. The program also incorporated administrative duties such as the prescription of medication for the patients. Patients were seen as often as necessary according to the medical rheumatologist decision (until the episode of disability was medically resolved).

The rheumatologists acted as principal care providers in regular visits, home visits and phone contacts. The visits were structured following specific proceedings for the different diagnoses based on previously demonstrated approaches. Such protocols included education and promotion of independence, pharmacological and no pharmacological treatment, and timing of diagnostic tests in a stepwise manner. The program also incorporated administrative duties such as the prescription of medication for the patients. Patients were seen as often as necessary according to the medical rheumatologist decision (until the episode of disability was medically resolved).