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Clinical effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of nurse‐led care in Chinese patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized trial comparing with rheumatologist‐led care
Author(s) -
Wang Junru,
Zou Xiulan,
Cong Ling,
Liu Huina
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
international journal of nursing practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.62
H-Index - 55
eISSN - 1440-172X
pISSN - 1322-7114
DOI - 10.1111/ijn.12605
Subject(s) - medicine , rheumatoid arthritis , randomized controlled trial , physical therapy , clinical trial
Background and aim The concept of nurse‐led care (NLC) was not familiar in China. This study was designed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of NLC versus rheumatologist‐led care (RLC) in Chinese patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods Patients of either gender (aged ≥18 years) with RA were enrolled at Wenhai Central Hospital, China (January 2015 to December 2015). The participants were then randomized to NLC or RLC. Outcomes of both the groups were compared in terms of effectiveness by measuring the Disease Activity Score 28, visual analogue scores pertaining to pain and fatigue, and duration of morning stiffness. Costs associated with resource use for RA were assessed and compared between both groups. Results A total of 214 RA patients in 2 groups (n = 107 in each group) were enrolled and analysed. Improvements in clinical outcomes (disease activity, pain, fatigue, and morning stiffness) over 12 months were significantly greater in the NLC group compared to RLC ( P < 0.001). Overall, costs associated with resource use were higher in the RLC group compared to the NLC group ( P < 0.05). Conclusions Our preliminary finding suggested that RA patients managed by NLC compared to RLC may have better clinical outcomes and more cost‐effective care in China.