A national strategy for UK musculoskeletal clinical research: Arthritis Research UK clinical studies initiative.

摘要

In 2008 , Arthritis Research UK (formerly ARC) Clinical Studies Initiative was first described in this Journal. The vision was to develop nationally agreed priorities for clinical trials in musculoskeletal disorders and provide the resources and expertise to deliver them. In this editorial, the achievements of this unique international venture are described along with some of the challenges to success. Seven disease area-specific clinical study groups (CSGs) were established: adult inflammatory joint disease; spondyloarthropathies; autoimmune CTDs; OA and related disorders; metabolic bone disease; regional and widespread pain syndromes; and paediatric rheumatic disorders. The groups aimed to obtain consensus from all relevant stakeholders on the most relevant and important therapeutic questions that should be addressed, which would then be translated into methodologically sound and feasible proposals.