Online Tool Helps RA Patients Make Informed Decisions

Going forward, researchers note the importance of adapting the tool for mobile devices to meet the demand “to provide health-related decision support on … readily available platforms.”

Additionally, the researchers conclude, “Future efforts will be required to ensure that the information is updated as needed, and that the tool is easily accessible, ideally via a link through trusted websites already familiar to rheumatologists.”

Read the full article.

Fraenkel L, Matzko CK, Webb DE, Oppermann B, Charpentier P, Peters E, Reyna V, Newman ED. Use of decision support improves knowledge, value clarification and informed choice in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2015 Jul 20. doi: 10.1002/acr.22659. [Epub ahead of print]

Physicians walk a fine line between informed consent and patient trust

In early June, the ACR released an updated guideline on the management of rheumatoid arthritis, which includes new recommendations for specific high-risk groups.1 The guideline includes 44 recommendations—seven of which are strong and 37 conditional. It underscores the role of methotrexate as a cornerstone therapy and emphasizes minimizing glucocorticoids, when possible. Guideline Development Process At…

Over the past several decades, the medical community has been moving toward a model of shared decision making. In addition to its ethical advantages, shared decision making potentially yields such benefits as improved medical adherence and better health outcomes. With the proliferation of treatment options and changes in the larger culture, shared decision making is…

Liana Fraenkel, MD, MPH, likes to fix things, and the dynamic and challenging field of rheumatology always has room for improvement. That mindset has led her down some interesting paths as a researcher and healthcare provider, and as vice president of the Rheumatology Research Foundation. Dr. Fraenkel was a rheumatologist and researcher at the Yale…

Are You Informed About Informed Consent?

The ACR Releases an Updated Treatment Guideline for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Why & How to Pursue Shared Decision Making with Your Patients

A Conversation with Rheumatology Research Foundation VP Liana Fraenkel, MD, MPH

Related Articles