A Standardized Physical Examination Method for Joints to Determine Rheumatoid Arthritis Activity Using the Modified RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method

© 2023 Medina et al..

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis activity is evaluated based on a physical examination of each of the joints. However, the joint examination is not standardized, and the techniques are variable and difficult to reproduce due to disagreements among examiners.

Objective: To recommend standardized joint examination techniques based on the modified RAND-UCLA appropriateness method.

Methods: A review of the literature was conducted to determine the items to be included in the joint examination; subsequently, a consensus of rheumatologists was achieved with the modified RAND-UCLA methodology to issue the recommendations. The diagnosis of RA and differential diagnoses were excluded.

Results: Two hundred fifteen rheumatologists were invited to participate. Five were included in the core group and 26 in the group of clinical experts. Clinical experience ranged between 2 and 25 years (mean 15.6 years; standard deviation 6.3 years). Most rheumatologists participated in all rounds (Round 1: 100%, Round 2: 61%, and Round 3: 61%). Of the 45 statements in the questionnaire assessing the examination techniques, 28 (62%) were retained. In addition, 6 other statements were included during the face-to-face meeting for a total of 34 final statements.

Conclusion: Physical examination techniques for joints that determine RA activity are heterogeneous and differ markedly in terms of several characteristics. A list of recommendations is proposed as a guide to improve and standardize the method for the physical examination of the joints. This standardization will improve the diagnosis and results for patients with RA and help health caregivers provide better treatment.

Medienart:

E-Artikel

Erscheinungsjahr:

2023

Erschienen:

2023

Enthalten in:

Zur Gesamtaufnahme - volume:16

Enthalten in:

Journal of multidisciplinary healthcare - 16(2023) vom: 19., Seite 1287-1299

Sprache:

Englisch

Beteiligte Personen:

Medina, Yimy F [VerfasserIn]
Ruiz, Alvaro J [VerfasserIn]
Rondon, Martin A [VerfasserIn]

Links:

Volltext

Themen:

Consensus
Diagnosis
Disease activity
Joints
Journal Article
Physical examination
Rheumatoid arthritis

Anmerkungen:

Date Revised 17.05.2023

published: Electronic-eCollection

Citation Status PubMed-not-MEDLINE

doi:

10.2147/JMDH.S397038

funding:

Förderinstitution / Projekttitel:

PPN (Katalog-ID):

NLM356903605