Table 2

Performance indicators of the Esperanza Program: description, standards and actual values at 15 October 2009

NameObjectiveCalculationStandardValue at cut-off
1AccessibilityTo attend the patients referred by the GPs at the clinic in <30 days waiting timeNumerator: Number of requested referrals that are attended at the unit in ≤30 days
Denominator: Total number of referrals from the GPs
>90%91%
2Duration of first visitTo provide appropriate care for patients with early SpANumerator: Time reserved for consultation per patient in the first visit (maximum 60 min) × 100
Denominator: 60 min
>50%53%
3Referral reliabilityTo ensure that patients are referred correctly using the pre-established methods and referral criteria properlyNumerator: Number of referrals meeting the referral criteria at first consultation (confirmed by the rheumatologist)
Denominator: Total number of first visits referred by the GPs to the programme
>50%92%
4Success of referral criteriaTo evaluate the utility of the referral criteria usedNumerator: Number of patients referred by the GPs correctly and meeting Amor criteria for SpA
Denominator: Total number of patients referred correctly by the GPs
>50%28%
5Clinical reports issuedTo provide reports as clear guidance for the patient in as many visits as possibleNumerator: Number of automatic reports issued by the units
Denominator: Total number of patient visits
>90%25%
6Feedback guaranteeTo use the clinical reports as feedback for GPsNumerator: Number of automatic reports browsed or downloaded by GPs
Denominator: Total number of reports generated at the unit
>85%2%
7Missing dataTo set a minimum of examinations and assessments per visit to ensure a proper evaluation of patientsNumerator: Number of relevant fields in the EMR that are not filled
Denominator: Total relevant fields in the EMR per visit
<10%24%
8Frequency of reviewTo guarantee a timely follow-upNumerator: Number of patients who attended as recommended*
Denominator: Total patients seen at the clinic
>90%84%
  • * Active patients (BASDAI >4, arthritis/enthesitis) controlled every 3 months (at least every 6 months), inactive patients every 6 months (after two inactive visits it is possible to increase to every 12 months).

  • EMR, electronic medical record; GPs, general practitioners; SpA, spondyloarthritis.