Quality Indicators for Evaluating the Health Care of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: a Korean Expert Consensus
10.3346/jkms.2021.36.e109
- Author:
Mi Ryoung SEO
1
;
Gunwoo KIM
;
Ki Won MOON
;
Yoon-Kyoung SUNG
;
Jong Jin YOO
;
Chong-Hyeon YOON
;
Eun Bong LEE
;
Jisoo LEE
;
Eun Ha KANG
;
Hyungjin KIM
;
Eun-Jung PARK
;
Wan-Sik UHM
;
Myeung Su LEE
;
Seung-Won LEE
;
Byoong Yong CHOI
;
Seung-Jae HONG
;
Han Joo BAEK
Author Information
1. Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Journal of Korean Medical Science
2021;36(17):e109-
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:There is increasing interest in the quality of health care and considerable efforts are being made to improve it. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease that can result in favorable outcomes when appropriate diagnosis and treatment are provided. However, several studies have shown that RA is often managed inappropriately. Therefore, the Korean College of Rheumatology aimed to develop quality indicators (QIs) to evaluate and improve the health care of patients with RA.
Methods:Preliminary QIs were derived based on the existing guidelines and QIs for RA. The final QIs were determined through two separate consensus meetings of experts. The consensus was achieved through a panel of experts who voted using the modified Delphi method.
Results:Fourteen final QIs were selected among 70 preliminary QIs. These included early referral to and regular follow-up with a rheumatologist, radiographs of the hands and feet, early initiation and maintenance of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy, periodic assessment of disease activity, screening for drug safety and comorbidities,including viral hepatitis and tuberculosis before biologic DMARD therapy, periodic laboratory testing, supplementation with folic acid, assessment of the risk for cervical spine instability before general anesthesia, patient education, and specialized nurse.
Conclusion:These QIs can be used to assess and improve the quality of health care for patients with RA.
