Comparative Effectiveness of Primary Care Providers Trained in Rheumatoid Arthritis Management Versus Rheumatologist Care: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks healthy joint tissue; causing pain, swelling, and stiffness of the joints. This disease effects lots of people in the US and can lead to major joint damage if not properly treated. In rural areas like northern NY, these are underserved areas for RA patients, thus many patients struggle to get the appropriate care. This model is testing whether primary care providers (PCP) can safely and effectively provide stable RA patients with the proper treatment rather than send them to a specialist. PCPs were trained through classes, case reviews, and a final exam. Patients will be randomly assigned to either see a trained PCP or their normal rheumatologist at the rheumatology clinic. This study will examine how patients are doing over a year using medical exams and patient feedback. If this model proves to be successful, it will make RA treatment easier and more affordable for patients.
• Fulfillment of the 2010 ACR/EULAR classification criteria for rheumatoid arthritis Using these criteria, a classification as definite RA is based upon the presence of synovitis in at least one joint, the absence of an alternative diagnosis that better explains the synovitis, and the achievement of a total score of at least 6 (of a possible 10) from the individual scores in four domains.
∙ The highest score achieved in a given domain is used for this calculation. These domains and their values are:
• Number and site of involved joints:
‣ 2 to 10 large joints (from among shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, and ankles) = 1 point
⁃ 1 to 3 small joints (from among the MCP joints, PIP joints, second through fifth MTP joints, thumb IP joints, and wrists) = 2 points
⁃ 4 to 10 small joints = 3 points
⁃ Greater than 10 joints (including at least 1 small joint) = 5 points
• Serological abnormality (RF or ACPA)
‣ Low positive (above the upper limit of normal) = 2 points
⁃ High positive (greater than three times the upper limit of normal) = 3 points
• Elevated acute phase response (ESR or CRP) above the upper limit of normal = 1 point
• Symptom duration at least six weeks = 1 point
‣ Stable disease activity, defined as a RAPID-3 score of no higher than 4 over the past three months or no RA-related medication changes for at least six months prior to the informed consent date.
⁃ Primary residence in the North Country region of New York (Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence, Clinton, Essex, Franklin, and Hamilton counties).
⁃ Established with the participating rheumatology clinic and a participating PCP (Note: For patients who are established in PCP clinics outside of the health system conducting this study, patients may see a participating PCP within their established clinic). To be considered an established patient, the participant should have had a visit within the year prior to the screening visit.
⁃ Willingness to participate in the study and provide informed consent.
⁃ Females of childbearing potential must agree to use highly effective birth control throughout duration of the study.