Objectified Assessment of Rheumatoid arthritis in Real Time as an aid for Treat-to-Target Treatment Strategy

摘要

Summary: In the field of Rheumatology, ‘Objectified Assessment’ of disease activity using validated instruments for different diseases has become standard-of-care world-wide. This form of targeted treatment has been shown to improve treatment outcome. In India our group has been among the earliest to use this methodology of out-come guided treatment, using it since 2001. This was further simplified following the use of rheumatology-specific EMR software from 2007 onwards. The said software automatically calculates and displays disease status for guiding treatment. EMR use has proved to be more efficient both by way of increased number of patients being seen in the same time slot with quicker assessment and prescription writing. Additionally, with increased research output which could easily be published, software usage has helped in extracting evidence that is more relevant to the Indian situation. Objectives: To study the affect of Software supported “Objectified Assessment” on patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Methodology: A study was done to view the outcomes of patient in the form of satisfaction and turnover following use Treat to target approach with or without using software specific to rheumatology called “Rheum Aid?” Results: Patients care outcomes improved following manual use of calculators but it was cumbersome and restricted the total number of patients that could be seen. The number of patients that could be seen increased significantly once the calculations were automated through the EMR software. Additionally patient waiting time for their printed reports was decreased significantly, leading to better satisfaction. Conclusion: Objectified assessment improves care outcomes but needs to be carried out throuh automated software to be used effectively.