Enhanced Clinics for Patients Diagnosed With Ankylosing Spondylitis and Psoriatic Arthritis

Enhanced Clinics for Patients Diagnosed With Ankylosing Spondylitis and Psoriatic Arthritis

The 19.5 months project will pilot the introduction of a hospital-based, nurse-led ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) service for patients being initiated on biologic therapy in NHS Lothian Edinburgh Western General Hospital.

It is anticipated that this new model of care will improve:

1. The time from referral for biologic therapy to initiation of treatment with a biological therapy due to the dedicated nurse to see patients
2. The management and monitoring of AS and PsA patients post commencement of treatment , in line with The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinical diagnosis of AS or PsA
• Referral for initiation of biological therapy by patients regular consultant
• Age 18 years or older
• Willing and able to give informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

· Unable to comply with study procedures