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Use of evidence-based approach, consensus process supports adaptation of comorbidities initiative
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LONDON — Use of an evidence-based approach and consensus process for the collection and management of the comorbidities and risk factors of chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases has been shown to support the EULAR initiative on comorbidities at a national level, according to a study presented at the EULAR Annual Congress.
“We feel it is a way to disseminate and adapt to the national context for France the EULAR comorbidities initiatives, and it also defines what rheumatologists should be doing and when they should be referring, hopefully, to the benefit of our patients,” Laure Gossec, MD, PhD, said, here.
Gossec and colleagues selected comorbidities and risk factor based on EULAR recommendations and the EULAR document. To develop management recommendations, the researchers used systematic literature reviews of 158 articles and a 2-day consensus process among 110 rheumatologists and other health care professionals in France.
Researchers found the selected comorbidities of the chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis and connective tissue diseases, included ischemic cardiovascular diseases, malignancies, infections, gastrointestinal diseases, osteoporosis and depression. They adapted existing management recommendations for rheumatologists or developed these when unavailable, she said.
Gossec and colleagues developed 28 detailed, practical forms that can be used to collect and report selected comorbidities, current treatments, risk factors, screening and prevention guidelines. The documents include physical examination elements, screening procedures and the interpretation of results for referrals, she said. – by Kristine Houck, MA, ELS
Reference:
Gossec L, et al. Abstract #OP0004. Presented at: EULAR Annual Congress; June 8-11, 2016; London.
Disclosures: Gossec reports no relevant financial disclosures, and the Rencontres d’Experts en Rhumatologie program was sponsored by AbbVie France.