Allied Health in Rheumatology Triage Project

Allied Health in Rheumatology Triage Project

There is accumulating evidence that early treatment leads to better outcomes for patients with inflammatory arthritis (IA). Triage, which is the process of identifying the urgency of a patient's disease state efficiently and correctly, may facilitate early referral to a rheumatologist. Several studies have suggested that placing allied health professionals (occupational therapists, physical therapists, nurses, etc.) in a triage roll may reduce wait time for patients with suspected IA. The goal of this investigation will be to demonstrate the system-level impact of an Arthritis Society extended role occupational therapist (OT) or physical therapist (PT) working in a triage role in improving access to rheumatologists for people with IA. In this study two groups will be observed: intervention and "usual care" as determined by historical chart review. Wait times will be compared between both groups.

Inclusion Criteria:

• New referrals from a GP
• Adults with possible IA (determined by rheumatologist through paper triage)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Currently on a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD)
• Previously seen by a rheumatologist.
• FM, non-IA OA; soft tissue rheumatism; mechanical LBP