Table 1

Overarching principles and recommendations for the generic core competences of health professionals in rheumatology (HPRs)

Level of evidence*Strength of recommendationLevel of agreement
Mean (SD)
Median (range)
Overarching principles
A. Effective communication skills and a biopsychosocial approach in the assessment, treatment and care of people with RMDs are of paramount importance for HPRsQLIbNA9.79 (0.71)
10 (7–10)
B. Person-centred care and patient advocacy are fundamental in the care delivered by HPRs for people with RMDsQLIaNA9.74 (0.65)
10 (8–10)
C. An evidence-based approach, ethical conduct and reflective practice are essential for HPRsQLIIbNA9.68 (0.75)
10 (7–10)
Recommendations
1. HPRs should have knowledge of the aetiology, pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical features and diagnostic procedures of common RMDs, including their impact on all aspects of lifeQLIbA9.42 (1.07)
10 (7–10)
2. Using a structured assessment, HPRs should identify aspects that may influence individuals with RMDs and their families, including:

  • Clinical characteristics, risks, red flags and comorbidities.

  • Limits to their activity and participation.

  • Personal and environmental factors.

QLIIaB9.68 (0.58)
10 (8–10)
3. HPRs should communicate effectively:

  • To make contributions to other healthcare providers and stakeholders in RMD care.

  • To collaborate with other healthcare providers, signpost or refer where appropriate to optimise the interdisciplinary care of people with RMDs.

QLIIaB/C9.74 (0.73)
10 (7–10)
4. HPRs should have an understanding of common pharmacological and surgical therapies in RMDs, including their anticipated benefits, side-effects and risks, and use this knowledge to advise or refer as appropriateQLIbB9.47 (0.84)
10 (8–10)
5. HPRs should provide advice on non-pharmacological interventions, treat or refer as appropriate, based on the evidence, expected benefits, limitations and risks for people with RMDsQLIbB9.53 (0.90)
10 (7–10)
6. HPRs should assess the educational needs of people with RMDs and their carers to provide tailored education using appropriate modes of delivery, relevant resources and evaluate their effectivenessQLIbA9.42 (1.02)
10 (6–10)
7. HPRs should take responsibility for their continuous learning and ongoing professional development to remain up-to-date with the clinical guidelines and/or recommendations on the management of RMDsQLIbA9.79 (0.71)
10 (7–10)
8. HPRs should support people with RMDs in goal setting and shared decision making about their care (eg, identify, prioritise, address their needs and preferences and explain in lay terms)QLIIaB9.42 (1.07)
10 (6–10)
9. HPRs should support people with RMDs in self-management of their condition. This encompasses selecting and applying the appropriate behavioural approaches and techniques to optimise their health and well-being (eg, engagement in physical activity, pain and fatigue management)QLIbA9.74 (0.81)
10 (7–10)
10. HPRs should be able to select and apply outcome measures for people with RMDs, as appropriate, to evaluate the effectiveness of their interventionsQLIbA9.74 (0.73)
10 (7–10)

  • ql Indicates a LoE based on studies that used primarily qualitative methods.

  • *Level of evidence from qualitative studies indicated for OAPs and recommendations for completeness.

  • LoE, level of evidence; NA, Not Applicable; OAPs, overarching principles; RMDs, rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.