RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 2019 EULAR recommendations for the generic core competences of health professionals in rheumatology
JF Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
JO Ann Rheum Dis
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and European League Against Rheumatism
SP 53
OP 60
DO 10.1136/annrheumdis-2019-215803
VO 79
IS 1
A1 Lisa Edelaar
A1 Elena Nikiphorou
A1 George E Fragoulis
A1 Annamaria Iagnocco
A1 Catherine Haines
A1 Margot Bakkers
A1 Lurdes Barbosa
A1 Nada Cikes
A1 Mwidimi Ndosi
A1 Jette Primdahl
A1 Yeliz Prior
A1 Polina Pchelnikova
A1 Valentin Ritschl
A1 Valentin Sebastian Schäfer
A1 Hana Smucrova
A1 Inger Storrønning
A1 Marco Testa
A1 Dieter Wiek
A1 Theodora P M Vliet Vlieland
YR 2020
UL http://ard.bmj.com/content/79/1/53.abstract
AB Background/objectives To maintain and optimise the quality of care provided by health professionals in rheumatology (HPRs), adequate educational offerings are needed. This task force (TF) aimed to develop evidence-based recommendations for the generic core competences of HPRs, with specific reference to nurses, physical therapists (PTs) and occupational therapists (OTs) to serve as a basis for their postgraduate education.Methods The EULAR standardised operating procedures for the development of recommendations were followed. A TF including rheumatologists, nurses, PTs, OTs, patient-representatives, an educationalist, methodologists and researchers from 12 countries met twice. In the first TF meeting, 13 research questions were defined to support a systematic literature review (SLR). In the second meeting, the SLR evidence was discussed and recommendations formulated. Subsequently, level of evidence and strength of recommendation were assigned and level of agreement (LoA) determined (0–10 rating scale).Results Three overarching principles were identified and 10 recommendations were developed for the generic core competences of HPRs. The SLR included 79 full-text papers, 20 of which addressed the competences, knowledge, skills, attitudes and/or educational needs of HPRs from multiple professions. The average LoA for each recommendation ranged from 9.42 to 9.79. Consensus was reached both on a research and educational agenda.Conclusion Evidence and expert opinion informed a set of recommendations providing guidance on the generic core competences of HPRs. Implementation of these recommendations in the postgraduate education of HPRs at the international and national level is advised, considering variation in healthcare systems and professional roles.