Abstract

SOUSA, Fabiana Isabel Moreira de et al. Effectiveness of nursing consultations in people with rheumatoid arthritis: systematic review. Rev. Enf. Ref. [online]. 2017, vol.serIV, n.13, pp.147-156. ISSN 0874-0283.  https://doi.org/10.12707/RIV17013.

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.

Keywords : arthritis; rheumatoid; nursing care; review literature as topic; outcome assessment (health care); meta-analysis.

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