Optimization of the flare management in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by implementing patient-driven systematic changes to the RA ambulatory care stream

The overall goal of the project is two-fold: to develop an improved multilevel care process model for the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity through the implementation of systematic self-monitoring of the flare experience by patients with RA, combined with continuous patient-tailored adjustment of treatment modalities by different levels of rheumatology health care providers (RHCPs), i.e. nurses, nurse-practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs), and physicians. This project will address an existing gap between patients’ perceptions of flare and the availability of immediate professional help, precluding the implementation of patient-tailored changes to the RA management plan as outlined by European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommendations and principles of treat-to-target recommendations (TTT) in RA.1,2