01 August 2023
As part of our strategic ambition to improve care in rheumatology, we're happy to announce two new opportunities to contribute to rheumatology studies and help shape patient care; both aim to improve patient care and one will also `be used to support the needs of the staff providing it. Find out more below.
- Research study 1: Understanding the real-world clinical practice of consultants who prescribe biologic agents across rheumatology, dermatology, and gastroenterology.
Biologic agents are prescribed to patients across the rheumatology, dermatology, and gastroenterology specialties and patients are screened for viruses such as TB or hepatitis. A group of Irish researchers want to understand the extent to which there are differing practices in the prescription and monitoring of biologics agents, and in the screening for viruses.
With differing guidelines across the three specialties, the researchers found differing practices among consultants in Ireland and Northern Ireland; they now wish to gain the perspective of consultants in England, Scotland, and Wales.
If you are a consultant, contributing to this survey can help researchers to understand the differences in clinical practice across the three specialties and to make improvements to patient care. The survey takes approximately three minutes to complete and consists of 11 tick-box questions.
- Research study 2: Optimising the Effectiveness of Telephone and Email Advice line Services for Rheumatology Patients
A team of doctors and nurses from the rheumatology department at the Haywood Hospital and Keele University are conducting a survey to help understand how advice line services are currently provided.
The aim of this research is to will help the team to identify what is needed to optimise telephone and email advice line provision, whilst looking after the needs of health professionals who provide these services.
The team is very keen to hear from nurses and AHPs who provide telephone and/or email advice to people with rheumatological conditions. The survey will take 20 minutes to complete and your information, including your identity, will be protected. The deadline to respond to the survey is 1 September 2023.
By sharing your experiences, you will help the research team understand how advice line services are currently provided as well as identify existing resources and training needs.
For more information please contact Sarah Ryan, Professor of Rheumatology Nursing.