Rheumatoid arthritis

• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence •

1. People with suspected persistent synovitis affecting the small joints of the hands or feet, or more than one joint, are referred to a rheumatology service within 3 working days of presentation.

2. People with suspected persistent synovitis are assessed in a rheumatology service within 3 weeks of referral.
3. People with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis are offered short-term glucocorticoids and a combination of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs by a rheumatology service within 6 weeks of referral.
4. People with rheumatoid arthritis are offered educational and self-management activities within 1 month of diagnosis.
5. People who have active rheumatoid arthritis are offered monthly treatment escalation until the disease is controlled to an agreed low disease activity target.
6. People with rheumatoid arthritis and disease flares or possible drug related side effects receive advice within 1 working day of contacting the rheumatology service.
7. People with rheumatoid arthritis have a comprehensive annual review that is coordinated by the rheumatology service.

full quality standards including quality measures avaliable from…
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, MidCity Place
Tel – http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/qualitystandards/qualitystandards.jsp

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Quality Standards Programme: Rheumatoid arthritis. June 2013