A Needs-Based Rheumatologist Education Program on Treating to Target in Psoriatic Arthritis and Spondyloarthropathy: Insights and Challenges

Abstract

Objectives: To determine if comparative practice data and education for rheumatologists would change physician behavior for monitoring and treating psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and spondyloarthritis (SpA). Methods: Participating rheumatologists each performed a chart audit on 20 patients with PsA and SpA. Accredited education (determined by a survey and chart audits) and reults of chart audits (comparing to other rheumatologists) were provided for each participant (intervention). Eight months later, a repeat chart audit by each participant was conducted on another 20 PsA and SpA patients. Changes in measurements collected, treatment given and patient characteristics pre and post intervention were analyzed. Results: Nine rheumatologists received the intervention. At baseline, most routinely monitored PsA and SpA for clinical and laboratory markers. In PsA, there was no change post-intervention in performing SJC (96%), TJC (≥91%), ESR (≥70%), CRP (≥73%), and CDAI (25%). In SpA, there were