J Rheumatol
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Semiquantitative arthritis scoring assesses disease burden by scoring presence/extent of features such as bone marrow lesion (BML) or effusion in multiple anatomic regions at a joint. An image overlay clarifying region borders may enhance feasibility and reliability of these scoring systems. To be scalable for use in large clinical trials, systematic computer-based user training is desirable. We developed an overlay and user training module for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based scoring of hip osteoarthritis (OA). ⋯ Semitransparent image overlays and standardized knowledge translation modules for reader training show promise to facilitate reader calibration using MRI-based scoring systems. Based on our experience, knowledge translation modules should emphasize close feedback evaluating performance and reader time efficiency.
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Indicators of work role functioning (being at work, and being productive while at work) are important outcomes for persons with arthritis. As the worker productivity working group at OMERACT (Outcome Measures in Rheumatology), we sought to provide an evidence base for consensus on standardized instruments to measure worker productivity [both absenteeism and at-work productivity (presenteeism) as well as critical contextual factors]. ⋯ Our current recommendations for at-work productivity loss measures are: WALS (Workplace Activity Limitations Scale), WLQ PDmod (Work Limitations Questionnaire with modified physical demands scale), WAI (Work Ability Index), WPS (Arthritis-specific Work Productivity Survey), and WPAI (Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire). Our future research focus will shift to confirming core contextual factors to consider in the measurement of worker productivity.
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Comparative Study
A Population-based Study of Intensive Care Unit Admissions in Rheumatoid Arthritis.
We aimed to determine the incidence of and mortality after critical illness in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared with the general population, and to describe the risks for and characteristics of critical illness in patients with RA. ⋯ Patients with RA have a higher risk for admission to the ICU than the general population and increased mortality 1 year after admission. Even with advances in management, RA remains a serious disease with significant morbidity.
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Review Multicenter Study
Development of a Draft Core Set of Domains for Measuring Shared Decision Making in Osteoarthritis: An OMERACT Working Group on Shared Decision Making.
Despite the importance of shared decision making for delivering patient-centered care in rheumatology, there is no consensus on how to measure its process and outcomes. The aim of this Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) working group is to determine the core set of domains for measuring shared decision making in intervention studies in adults with osteoarthritis (OA), from the perspectives of patients, health professionals, and researchers. ⋯ We proposed a draft core set of shared decision-making domains for OA intervention research studies. Next steps include a workshop at OMERACT 13 to reach consensus on these proposed domains in the wider OMERACT group, as well as to detail subdomains and assess instruments to develop a core outcome measurement set.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Evaluating Disease Severity in Chronic Pain Patients with and without Fibromyalgia: A Comparison of the Symptom Impact Questionnaire and the Polysymptomatic Distress Scale.
To compare the relative effectiveness of the Polysymptomatic Distress Scale (PSD) with the Symptom Impact Questionnaire (SIQR), the disease-neutral revision of the updated Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR), in their ability to assess disease activity in patients with rheumatic disorders both with and without fibromyalgia (FM). ⋯ The SIQR, the disease-neutral revision of the updated FIQ, has several important advantages over the PSD in the evaluation of disease severity in chronic pain disorders.