Education models and acquisition of biotherapies safety skills in chronic inflammatory rheumatism

Introduction: The biotherapies prescribed to chronic inflammatory rheumatism patients carry risks, about which these patients must be informed. Objective: To evaluate which educational model is the best for maintaining optimal safety in terms of biotherapy self-management. Method: This observational retrospective monocentric study involved patients who had received therapeutic education while on biotherapy from 2009 to 2013, categorized in terms of the educational model received (information: M1, individual education: M2, in terms of the educational model received (information: M1, individual education: M2, individual and group education: M3) and given the Biosecure questionnaire (assessing their theoretical and practical understanding of biotherapy) to complete. Results: Overall, 222 patients were included (67% women, mean age: 53.9 years), 106 of whom had received M1, 88 M2, and 28 M3. The highest Biosecure scores were generated by young, female, employed, college-level educated patients, with the most recent diagnoses, and on intravenous biotherapies. The mean Biosecure score was 76.6 (±13.8) (min-max: 11.52–100). On multivariate analysis, the Biosecure total score was highest in the M3 group, compared to M1 (p = 0.02) and M2 (p = 0.04). Conclusion: The combination of individual and group education resulted in higher Biosecure scores than individual education or simply providing information

French survey on the crossed needs on sexual health for chronic inflammatory rheumatism patients and healthcare professionals.

International audiencePatients with Inflammatory Chronic Rheumatic disease have approximately three times more sexual dysfunction than the healthy population. However, health professionals do not dare to discuss the subject with them, largely because they do not feel educated on the subject. To define the educational needs in the sexual health of health professionals involved in patient education and those of patients with Inflammatory Chronic Rheumatic disease. This French multicenter cross-sectional online study included health professionals involved in patient education and patients with Inflammatory Chronic Rheumatic disease. Two surveys were designed to assess, both of them the specific needs. They were filled out anonymously online with a secured server. The influence of professionals and patients' characteristics on their sexual health needs were tested. 57 health professionals and 239 patients answered. 71,6% of the patients reported sexual difficulties and 79,9% had never discussed them with health professionals. To facilitate discussion, the health professionals most often wanted a colleague specialized in sexual health in their team (59,7%) and access to tools (52,6%). The patients' primary expectations were psychological support (65.7%), information (51.9%), and referral to specialists if needed (43.1%). The topics the health professionals and patients considered most useful were adverse effects of treatment and impact of rheumatism on sexuality and body image. 70,2% of the health professionals felt they needed training. This survey demonstrates the need to offer educational training to health professionals designed to enable them to address and discuss sexual health issues and give their patients appropriate advice

Collection and management of selected comorbidities and their risk factors in chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases in daily practice in France

International audienceIntroductionIn chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases (CIRDs), comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease and infections are sub-optimally managed. EULAR recently developed points to consider to collect and report comorbidities. The objective of this present study was to develop a pragmatic guide to collect, report and propose management recommendations for comorbidities, from a rheumatologist perspective.MethodsThe collection and reporting of comorbidities and risk factors was adapted from the EULAR points to consider. To develop management recommendations, the process comprised (1) systematic literature reviews by 3 fellows and (2) a 2-day consensus process involving 110 experts (rheumatologists and health professionals). Votes of agreement (Likert 1-5 where 5 indicates full agreement) were obtained.ResultsThe six selected comorbidities were ischemic cardiovascular diseases, malignancies, infections, diverticulitis, osteoporosis and depression. The literature review retrieved 97 articles or websites, mostly developed for the general population. The consensus process led to reporting presence of comorbidities, current treatment, risk factors (e.g. hypertension), screening (e.g. mammography) and prevention (e.g. vaccination). Management recommendations include physical examination (e.g. blood pressure or lymph node examination), prescribing screening procedures, and interpreting results to refer in a timely manner to appropriate other health professionals. Agreement was high (mean ± standard deviation, 4.37 ± 0.33).ConclusionsUsing an evidence-based approach followed by expert consensus, this initiative furthers the dissemination in France of the EULAR points to consider, and clearly defines what part of the management of comorbidities is potentially within the remit of rheumatologists. This initiative should facilitate systematic management of patients with CIRDs

Survey of adolescents’ needs and parents’ views on sexual health in juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Abstract Background Although the advent of new therapeutics for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients has considerably lessened the impact of the disease and reduced its sequelae, the outcomes of JIA remain important in their lives. Disease repercussions and side effects of treatments may affect sexual health and cause psychological distress. This aim of the study was to determine the expectations of adolescent JIA patients and the perceptions of their parents regarding knowledge and communication with healthcare providers (HCPs) in the field of sexual health (SH). Methods In France, from September 2021 to April 2022, a survey was conducted, using anonymous self-administered questionnaires, among JIA patients (adults (aged 18–45 years) to provide insights from their recollection of their adolescence) and their parents in nine rheumatology centers and three patient associations. Results The responses to the 76 patient questionnaires and 43 parent questionnaires that were collected were analyzed. Half of the patients thought JIA impacted their romantic relationships, but the results were less clear-cut for their sexual activity; and 58.7% of the patients said they would be comfortable discussing the subject with HCPs, but only 26.3% had done so, mainly regarding biomedical issues. The patients and their parents thought that ideally, the topic should be addressed in an individual patient education session at the hospital (51.3% and 34.9%, respectively), in a regular consultation (47.4% and 53.5%), or in a dedicated consultation requested by the adolescent without the adolescent’s parents being informed (38.2% and 20.9%). Most of the respondents thought HCPs should be proactive in SH (77.6% of the patients and 69.8% of their parents). More patients than parents said the following digital information tools must be used: videos (29.0% vs. 9.3%, p = 0.0127) and smartphone applications (25.0% vs. 9.3%, p = 0.0372). Conclusion HCPs should consider addressing the unmet need for SH discussions during their patient encounters. To meet this need, we propose concrete actions in line with the wishes of patients and parents. Clinical trial registration number NCT04791189

Efficacy of a Nurse-Led Patient Education Intervention in Promoting Safety Skills of Patients with Inflammatory Arthritis Treated with Biologics: A Multicentre Randomised Clinical Trial

International audienceObjective To evaluate the effect of a nurse-led patient education on safety skills of patients with inflammatory arthritis treated with biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs). Methods This is a multicentre, open-labelled, randomised controlled trial comparing an intervention group (face-to-face education by a nurse at baseline and 3 months later) with a control group (usual care) at the introduction of a first subcutaneous bDMARD. The primary outcome was score on the BioSecure questionnaire at 6 months (0\textendash 100 scale), a validated questionnaire assessing competencies in dealing with fever, infections, vaccination and daily situations. The secondary outcomes were disease activity, coping, psychological well-being, beliefs about medication, self-efficacy and severe infection rate. Results 129 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis were enrolled in nine rheumatology departments; 122 completed the study; 127 were analysed; and 64 received the intervention (mean duration: 65\,min at baseline and 44\,min at 3 months). The primary outcome was met: the BioSecure score was 81.2±13.1\,and 75.6±13.0 in the education and usual care groups (difference: +6.2, 95% CI 1.3 to 11.1, p=0.015), demonstrating higher safety skills in the education group. Exploratory analyses showed better skills regarding infections, greater willingness for vaccinations and greater adherence-related behaviours in the education group. Coping was significantly more improved by education; other secondary outcomes were improved in both groups, with no difference. Conclusions Educating patients was effective in promoting patient behaviours for preventing adverse events with bDMARDs. An education session delivered to patients starting a first bDMARD can be useful to help them self-manage safety issues. Trial registration number NCT02855320