Effectiveness of nursing consultations in people with rheumatoid arthritis: systematic review

Background: Traditionally, patients with rheumatoid arthritis are only monitored in medical consultations. However, several studies suggest that, with protocols, this follow-up can also be performed by nurses. Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of nursing consultations in controlling disease activity and other patient-reported outcomes compared to rheumatology consultations only, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Review Method: The Cochrane methodology was followed. Studies that had been conducted with adults with rheumatoid arthritis were included. Critical appraisal, data extraction, and data synthesis were performed by 2 independent reviewers. Presentation and interpretation of results: The 7 studies included reported better outcomes of nursing consultations in terms of pain, physical function, quality of life, self-efficacy, or overall satisfaction. Of these, 4 studies were included in the meta-analysis, which revealed no statistically significant differences in the control of disease activity between nursing and rheumatology consultations. Conclusion: Nursing consultations are effective in controlling disease activity, reducing disease impact, and improving satisfaction in people with rheumatoid arthritis.