scholarly journals The potential role of community pharmacy staff in reducing patient delay in consulting with symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis: a qualitative study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gwenda Simons ◽  
Nour Ismail ◽  
Karanbir Sandhu ◽  
Christian D. Mallen ◽  
Rebecca J. Stack ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Community Pharmacy ◽  
Early Treatment ◽  
Inflammatory Arthritis ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Treatment Delay ◽  
Pharmacy Staff ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Pathway To Care

Abstract Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory arthritis which can cause joint damage and reduced quality of life. Early treatment of RA within 3 months of symptom onset is associated with improved clinical outcomes. However, this window of opportunity is often missed. One important factor that contributes to treatment delay is that patients with symptoms of RA often delay consulting their general practitioner (GP). Previous research indicates that patients with inflammatory arthritis are likely to visit pharmacies for advice before consulting their GP. Therefore, pharmacists are well positioned to identify patients with symptoms of early inflammatory arthritis and sign post them appropriately. This research examines community pharmacy staff’s knowledge, perceptions and approaches to management of patients presenting with symptoms of RA in order to identify training needs and other opportunities for intervention to enhance the role of pharmacy staff in the pathway to care. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 community pharmacy staff with varying roles in the West Midlands, UK, during a 12 month period (2017–2018). The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis facilitated by NVivo 12. Results Community pharmacy staff (including pharmacists, pharmacy managers, technicians, dispensers and pre-registration pharmacists) had a range of knowledge and differing perceptions of RA and what action should be taken when patients present with symptoms of RA. These can be grouped into four themes: (1) Variations in perceptions and knowledge about RA. (2) The role of the pharmacy in increasing public awareness about RA. (3) The role of the pharmacy staff in facilitating access to the GP. (4) Practical considerations for pharmacy based interventions. Conclusion Amongst community pharmacy staff, there is wide variation in the understanding of RA and the importance of early treatment. This study identifies opportunities for enhanced training of community pharmacists and other pharmacy staff in relation to inflammatory arthritis as well as other pharmacy-based interventions, such as public awareness campaigns about RA and other musculoskeletal conditions. This could result in enhanced signposting to rapid GP consultation for inflammatory symptoms and reduced treatment delay.

scholarly journals Public health services at community pharmacies and strategies for expanding the role of pharmacists

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
I Kazaryan ◽  
A Sevikyan ◽  
A Amirkhanyan ◽  
L Vardanyan
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Community Pharmacy ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Pharmacy Practice ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Public Health Services ◽  
Pharmacy Staff ◽  
Public Health Activity

Abstract Pharmacy practice is evolving and the role of pharmacists in public health is expanding in many countries. The objective of this work was to analyse involvement of community pharmacy staff in public health activities, as well as to identify opinion of pharmacy professionals about strategies for expanding their public health role in Armenia. Survey was conducted in different regions of Armenia. Pharmacists and technicians working in community pharmacies were asked to complete pre-tested questionnaire that includes questions about their involvement in public health activity, motivation and opinion on strategies for improvement of the situation. 162 pharmacy professionals completed the questionnaire. Data were analysed with SPSS statistical software, version 22.0. 76.5% of responders indicated that they agree that community pharmacy practice should involve provision of public health services. Only 22.2% of community pharmacists and technicians reported that they are currently engaged in any public health activity. The main reasons for providing public health services indicated by responders are professional responsibility (84.6%), patients' satisfaction (66.0%) and personal satisfaction (63.6%). 80.2% of responders suppose that providing public health services in community pharmacies can have an impact on improving population health. Respondents indicated strategies which could be effective for expanding pharmacists' role in public health: increasing public awareness (82.7%), expanding pharmacists' knowledge (82.1%) and guidelines (71.6%). Only part of pharmacy professionals is engaged in public health activity. Many of them believe that certain strategies are able to improve the situation with involvement of community pharmacy staff in providing public health services in Armenia. Key messages Pharmacists are motivated to implement public health services. Special strategies should be introduced to increase engagement of pharmacists in public health.

scholarly journals THU0517 THE ROLE OF ULTRASOUND-DEFINED SYNOVITIS GRADE I IN PATIENTS PRESENTING WITH INFLAMMATORY ARTHRALGIA, A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 497.2-497
Author(s):  
J. Arroyo Palomo ◽  
M. Arce Benavente ◽  
C. Pijoan Moratalla ◽  
B. A. Blanco Cáceres ◽  
A. Rodriguez
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Inflammatory Arthritis ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Median Number ◽  
Painful Joint ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Specialized Unit

Background:Musculoeskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) is frequently used in several rheumatology units to detect subclinical inflammation in patients with joint symptoms suspected for progression to inflammatory arthritis (IA). Synovitis grade I (EULAR-OMERACT combined score) is known to be a casual finding in healthy individuals, but studies headed to unravel its possible role on rheumatic diseases are sparse.Objectives:To investigate the correlation between synovitis grade I, and the diagnosis of IA made after a year follow-up period since MSUS findings, in patients of an MSUS-specialized unit of a Rheumatology Department.Methods:We conducted a descriptive, retrospective and unicentric study. 30 patients were selected from the MSUS-specialized unit of our Rheumatology Department from July-18 to January-19. Patients presenting synovitis grade 0 (exclusively), 2 and/or 3 on combined score were excluded. Data collection at baseline included age, sex, immunological profile and previous physical examination to the MSUS findings, as well as the diagnosis made by the rheumatologist in 1-year visit follow-up: dividing the patient sample into two groups: those who were diagnosed with IA and those not. Non-parametric statistical tests for comparing means were used.Results:The mean age was 51,6 years and 70% were females. 6 (20%) patients were diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis after a year follow-up: 2 (4,8%) psoriatic arthritis, 1 (3,3%) undifferentiated arthritis, 1 (3,3%) rheumatoid arthritis, 1 (3,3%) Sjögren’s syndrome. Non-inflammatory arthropathies were also found 24 (80%), of which, 12 (40%) were non-specific arthralgias and 8 (19%) osteoarthritis.In the group of patients who did not developed an IA the mean C-reactive protein (CPR) value was 3,12 mg/L and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was 8,2 mm; all of them were rheumatoid factor (RF) positive and ACPA-negative except one patient. 5 (31,3%) patients presented low antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) levels. In those who HLA B-27 and Cw6 were tested (4,25%); both were negative except for one that was HLA B-27 positive. The median number of swollen and painful joint count was 0, and the mean of joints with MSUS involvement was 3,5; the mean involved metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints was 1,83; proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints was 1,48 and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints 0,21.Among the group of patients that developed an IA the mean of CPR and ESR was 9,27 mg/L and 14,17 mm respectively; 2 (33%) patients were RF- positive, and 1 ACPA-positive. ANAs were positive in 3 cases (50%). The median of swollen joint count was 2 and for painful joint count was 0, the median of joints with MSUS involvement was 4,5. The mean of MSUS involvement was for MCP, PIP and DIP joints: 1,67, 2 and 0. Comparing the means of CPR values in the two groups with Student’s t-test we obtained a statistically significant difference (p=0,023). No other significant differences were found.Conclusion:Despite the limitations and possible statistical bias, the presence of MSUS-defined synovitis grade I and elevated CRP levels could be related to further diagnoses of inflammatory arthropathy. Besides, the absence of synovitis in DIP joints might have a diagnostic role. Normal physical exploration and normal levels of CRP might suggest low MSUS value. However, further research is needed to clarify the role of MSUS-defined synovitis grade I.References:[1]D’Agostino MA et al. Scoring ultrasound synovitis in rheumatoid arthritis: a EULAR-OMERACT ultrasound taskforce-Part 1: definition and development of a standardized, consensus-based scoring system. RMD Open. 2017;3(1):e000428.[2]Van den Berg R et al. What is the value of musculoskeletal ultrasound in patients presenting with arthralgia to predict inflammatory arthritis development? A systematic literature review. Arthritis Research & Therapy (2018) 20:228.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

scholarly journals Australian Community Pharmacy Harm-Minimisation Services: Scope for Service Expansion to Improve Healthcare Access

Pharmacy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 95
Author(s):  
Sara S. McMillan ◽  
Hidy Chan ◽  
Laetitia H. Hattingh
Keyword(s):  
Community Pharmacy ◽  
Healthcare Access ◽  
Further Education ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Pharmacy Staff ◽  
Harm Minimisation ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Education Support

Community pharmacies are well positioned to participate in harm-minimisation services to reduce harms caused by both licit and illicit substances. Considering developments in pharmacist practices and the introduction of new professional pharmacy services, we identified a need to explore the contemporary role of community pharmacy in harm minimisation. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken to explore the opinions of stakeholders, pharmacy staff, and clients about the role of community pharmacy in harm minimisation, including provision of current services, experiences, and expectations. Participants (n = 28) included 5 stakeholders, 9 consumers, and 14 staff members from seven community pharmacies. Three over-arching themes were identified across the three participants groups: (i) scope and provision, (ii) complexity, and (iii) importance of person-centred advice and support in relation to community pharmacy harm minimisation services. Community pharmacies are valuable healthcare destinations for delivery of harm minimisation services, with scope for service expansion. Further education, support, and remuneration are needed, as well as linkage to other sector providers, in order to ensure that pharmacists and pharmacy staff are well equipped to provide a range of harm minimisation services.

scholarly journals P05 Involving patients in the discussion about results from the National Early Inflammatory Arthritis Audit

Rheumatology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 59 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Oliver Wade ◽  
Jack Loh ◽  
Joshua Withers ◽  
Sarah Fish ◽  
Elizabeth MacPhie
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Inflammatory Arthritis ◽  
First Year ◽  
Quality Improvements ◽  
North West ◽  
Patient Support Group ◽  
Patient Pathway ◽  
The North ◽  
Early Inflammatory Arthritis

Abstract Background The National Early Inflammatory Arthritis Audit (NEIAA) has provided the opportunity for rheumatology services to benchmark the care they provide. It provides a mechanism to identify where services can make improvements and to raise awareness about inflammatory arthritis. We felt it important to share our results with patients and involve patients in the discussion about how we improve the service we deliver. This project outlines how we went about doing this. Methods Data submitted to the NEIAA online tool were downloaded for analysis. This included all patients recruited during the first year of the audit. Results were presented initially to the Rheumatology Multi-Disciplinary Team. Driver diagrams were developed by the team and areas for improvement identified. A patient poster for the waiting area was also developed. This provided information about our performance in the audit and what changes we were looking to make. Results, driver diagrams and the patient poster were then presented to our National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) patient support group at one of their lunchtime meetings. We met again two weeks later with members from the patient group to get feedback on the driver diagrams and patient poster. Results Results from the first year of the audit demonstrated that there was significant room for improvement across all seven quality standards. Driver diagrams identified areas for improvement across the whole patient pathway. Forty-five patients and carers attended the lunchtime meeting presentation. Patients identified various areas where they could get involved with improving the patient pathway. These included putting up posters in the community to raise awareness about rheumatoid arthritis and running another Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day. Other proposals were to provide more lunchtime meetings to improve understanding about the condition and management and promote aspects of self-management and developing the role of the Expert Patient locally to support newly diagnosed patients. The patient poster received lots of positive comments, it was suggested that we remove any statistics which might cause alarm and be difficult to interpret and to focus on what quality improvements had already happened locally. Conclusion Involving patients in the discussion has been a fascinating and rewarding experience. Patients have been empowered and their input has been valued. Patients have provided additional suggestions as to how they can get involved to support the service and improve the patient pathway. The patient poster now tells a positive story and acknowledges our unsatisfactory performance in the first year of the audit and more importantly focuses on what we are doing to improve the service we deliver. Disclosures O. Wade None. J. Loh None. J. Withers None. S. Fish None. E. MacPhie Other; EM is the secretary of the North West Rheumatology Club; meetings are supported by an unrestricted educational grant from UCB.

scholarly journals The Role of Intracellular Organisms in the Pathogenesis of Inflammatory Arthritis

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Animesh Singh ◽  
Sarah Karrar
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Reactive Arthritis ◽  
Inflammatory Arthritis ◽  
Molecular Mimicry ◽  
Joint Inflammation ◽  
Joint Space ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Infectious Episode ◽  
Persistent Symptoms

Inflammatory arthritis is a condition which is characterised by recurrent episodes of joint pain and swelling. It encompasses a spectrum of disorders ranging from rheumatoid arthritis to ankylosing spondylitis. In these conditions, for reasons that are poorly understood, the immune system raises an inflammatory response within the joint space. In some cases, autoantigens have been identified (e.g., anticitrullinated peptides in rheumatoid arthritis), but the absence of these, in the seronegative arthritides, for example, raises question as to the underlying pathogenesis. Interest has, therefore, turned to host-pathogen interactions and whether aberrant immune responses to these could explain the development of arthritis. This has been most widely studied in reactive arthritis (ReA), where an infectious episode precedes the development of the joint symptoms. In this review, we present the evidence for the role of host-bacterial interactions in the pathogenesis of joint inflammation with particular emphasis on ReA. We discuss a range of possible mechanisms including molecular mimicry, persistent low grade infections, and abnormal host responses to common bacterial causes of reactive arthritis as well as discussing some of the clinical challenges that we face in making the diagnosis and in treatment of persistent symptoms.

scholarly journals Family and Social Support and the Brazilian Victim of Immigrant Partner Violence Abroad

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 216-231
Author(s):  
Mindy Reynolds
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
The United States ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Awareness Campaigns

In recent months due to Covid-19 and lockdowns across the world, intimate partner violence has drawn increasing attention. In some countries, mandatory lockdowns and quarantines have been accompanied by rising rates of violence, sparking public awareness campaigns. However, intimate partner violence is a phenomenon which persists across time and cultures. This study focuses on the female Brazilian migrants who become victims of intimate partner violence and the role of social support networks, as previous research has indicated a need for research on specific communities. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 24 victims and professionals who work with these victims in Japan, the United States, Germany, and Portugal. The data provided examples of positive and negative social support from family and friends and suggested effective alternatives to informal social support and also how to give more effective assistance to family and friends who may be victims of intimate partner violence. The results show that Brazilian victims of intimate partner violence abroad often seek financial support from family members in Brazil; however, in the lack of such support, income from employment or government assistance may help a victim should she choose to leave an abusive relationship. In addition, the research suggests that professionals and friends can help victims by providing them with information about available social services and accompanying them to apply for these services.

scholarly journals Gαq Regulates the Development of Rheumatoid Arthritis by Modulating Th1 Differentiation

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dashan Wang ◽  
Yuan Liu ◽  
Yan Li ◽  
Yan He ◽  
Jiyun Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Immune Regulation ◽  
Inflammatory Arthritis ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Th1 Cells ◽  
Th1 Cell ◽  
Th1 Cytokine ◽  
Negative Role

The Gαq-containing G protein, an important member ofGq/11class, is ubiquitously expressed in mammalian cells. Gαq has been found to play an important role in immune regulation and development of autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, how Gαq participates in the pathogenesis of RA is still not fully understood. In the present study, we aimed to find out whether Gαq controls RA via regulation of Th1 differentiation. We observed that the expression of Gαq was negatively correlated with the expression of signature Th1 cytokine (IFN-γ) in RA patients, which suggests a negative role of Gαq in differentiation of Th1 cells. By using Gαq knockout (Gnaq−/−) mice, we demonstrated that loss of Gαq led to enhanced Th1 cell differentiation. Gαq negative regulated the differentiation of Th1 cell by modulating the expression of T-bet and the activity of STAT4. Furthermore, we detected the increased ratio of Th1 cells inGnaq−/−bone marrow (BM) chimeras spontaneously developing inflammatory arthritis. In conclusion, results presented in the study demonstrate that loss of Gαq promotes the differentiation of Th1 cells and contributes to the pathogenesis of RA.

scholarly journals P222 Vitamin D in early rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 59 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie R Harrison ◽  
Gurpreet Jutley ◽  
Danyang Li ◽  
Ilfita Sahbudin ◽  
Andrew Filer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Inflammatory Arthritis ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Vitamin D Metabolites ◽  
Serum 25Ohd ◽  
Early Ra ◽  
Baseline Demographic

Abstract Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the commonest chronic inflammatory arthritis, predominantly affecting small/medium joints and associated with extra-articular features. Previous studies have linked RA risk and disease activity with vitamin D-deficiency, but a causal role for vitamin D in RA is still unclear, partly due to heterogeneous study methods and sample populations. Moreover, no studies have focused specifically on vitamin D status (serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, 25OHD) in early RA, or whether low 25OHD is linked to progression from undifferentiated inflammatory arthritis to RA. Our objectives were therefore (1) to analyse serum 25OHD in early inflammatory arthritis, (2) to compare 25OHD levels with disease activity and fatigue in early RA and (3) to determine whether low serum 25OHD is associated with progression to RA. Methods We analysed 791 patients enrolled in the Birmingham Early Arthritis Cohort from 2013-19 at Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust and University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust. We collect baseline demographic data, serum 25OHD (ng/ml), and clinical variables including: duration of symptoms, duration of early morning stiffness (EMS), CRP, ESR, anti-CCP antibody status, Rheumatoid factor status, tender and swollen joint counts, DAS28-ESR, DAS28-CRP, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain/fatigue and FACIT scores. Diagnosis was recorded at 0 and 12 months onwards as either RA, psoriatic arthritis (PsA), Undifferentiated Inflammatory Arthritis (UIA; synovitis not meeting other classification/diagnostic criteria), Clinical Suspect Arthralgia (CSA; arthralgia of an inflammatory type without synovitis), or Other. Data were analysed using SPSSv25. Full ethical approval was given for the study (REC12/WM/0258). Results Baseline demographic data were similar between all groups, with a median symptom duration of 16.8-34.0 days. Baseline 25OHD was not significantly different between groups [median, interquartile range (IQR): RA 46.7, 30.0-73.3; PsA 41.2, 30.0-65.0; UIA 51.4, 30.0-72.3; CSA 47.7, 30.3-73.0; Other 37.0, 24.9-55.3]. In the RA group (n = 335), there were no significant differences between 25OHD and any measures of disease activity/fatigue. Finally, we found no association between 25OHD and progression from UIA (n = 121) or CSA (n = 150) to RA (p = 0.554 and p = 0.741 respectively). Conclusion Overall we found no clear association between serum 25OHD and baseline diagnosis, RA disease activity, or progression from UIA/CSA to RA in this large cohort of early RA patients. Limitations of the study include that we were unable to report on levels of vitamin D metabolites which may be more important than total vitamin D. In addition, we were unable to adjust for supplement use/ time of year the sample was taken due to missing data. Future studies into the role of different metabolites of vitamin D in aetiopathogenesis of inflammatory arthritis would provide invaluable insight into the role of vitamin D in inflammatory arthritis better defining the complex role of vitamin D in RA. Disclosures S.R. Harrison: None. G. Jutley: None. D. Li: None. I. Sahbudin: None. A. Filer: None. M. Hewison: None. K. Raza: None.

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