Checklist
| What this means for you and your rheumatoid arthritis (RA)... | |
|---|---|
| 1 | Was my RA diagnosed by a specialised health professional within 6 weeks of onset of symptoms? |
| 2 | Do I understand my disease, my role in its management and the role of health professionals? Have I been given information in different formats and/or education about my disease? Have I been given information and/or education about treatments, their benefits and risks? Have I been given information and education relevant to my needs, that is, what to do if my disease is worsening, in case of pain and adverse reactions on drugs? Have I been given information about, and given contact details of, relevant patient charities and organisations which are considered to be trusted sources of evidence-based information? |
| 3 | Have I received a treatment plan which includes an explanation of my management, expected goals and outcomes and important contact details? |
| 4 | Was I informed about expected benefits and potential risks of treatment? Was I assessed for clinical status and safety before the treatment was started? Was I informed about vaccinations? |
| 5 | Have I received a schedule of regular assessments of my disease—the symptoms, disease activity and of what I can do? |
| 6 | Have I been informed when, how and who I can contact in case my disease is worsening? |
| 7 | Am I receiving a disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug, and if not, do I understand why not? |
| 8 | If my target of low disease activity or remission is not achieved, is my treatment reappraised at least every 3 months? |
| 9 | Do I know how to control pain associated with my RA? |
| 10 | Have I been informed about the options of surgery, and have the benefits and risks been explained? |
| 11 | Do I have access to pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments according to my needs? |
| 12 | Do I have the opportunity to receive support if needed from health professionals, such as rheumatologist, dietician, general practitioner, nurse, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, psychologist and social worker? Have I been offered information about how, why and when to contact different members of the multidisciplinary team as soon as possible after my diagnosis was made? |
| 13 | Have I been informed about physical activity and exercises specific for me? |
| 14 | Have I received information and, if necessary, advice and training on aids, devices and ergonomic principles to enhance function in daily life and participation in social roles? |
| 15 | Have I been informed about a healthy lifestyle? |
| 16 | Have I been informed about alternative therapies and the current (limited) evidence available to make an informed treatment decision? |
This checklist was developed by patient research partners in collaboration with the whole working group. The patient research partners have been recruited through patient leagues participating in this work package.
We suggest this checklist should be available for all patients, throughout Europe but should particularly be a source for active and interested patients.
The checklist should enable patients in Europe to follow the adherence to the recommended standards of care of their RA.