Nursing Consultation in Out-patient Clinics for Patients With Inflammatory Rheumatic Disease

Nursing Consultation in Out-patient Clinics for Patients With Inflammatory Rheumatic Disease

Evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of care given by nurse specialists in out patient clinics, through a randomized controlled study.

This study is part of a national multicenter study (NOR-DMARD) that aims to measure the longterm safety and effectiveness of disease modifying therapies in inflammatory arthropathies. The Nor-Dmard study is a comparative, phase IV, longitudinal, observational study. All patients starting a DMARD regime are enrolled. Patients from two clinics (different parts of Norway) will be randomised to receive follow-up care from either a clinical nurse or a rheumatologist.

The primary outcome measure is patient satisfaction measured by Leeds Satisfaction Questionnaire.

The secondary outcome is effectiveness measured by Coping (CORS),Health related quality of life (SF-36) and Disease activity (MHAQ, DAS-28).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with inflammatory arthropathies monitored after starting disease modifying antirheumatic drugs.