Effectiveness of a measurement feedback system on outcome in rheumatoid arthritis: a controlled clinical trial.

Item does not contain fulltextBACKGROUND: With the help of a measurement feedback system, the treatment strategy for individual patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be adjusted to achieve optimal control of disease activity. OBJECTIVE: To study whether a measurement feedback system is effective in reducing disease activity in patients with RA. METHODS: Forty eight rheumatologists and 264 patients participated in a controlled clinical trial. A three month control period was followed by a 12 month period, where feedback on disease activity, disability, and damage was provided to the rheumatologist. The primary outcome measure was the rheumatoid arthritis disease activity index (RADAI). RESULTS: The feedback system was used for 142/228 (62%) patients. Disease modifying antirheumatic drug changes occurred in 69/169 (41%) patients. In patients with high disease activity and feedback use (n=70), the RADAI decreased in the feedback period by -0.27 points per 30 days (p