Opportunities and challenges in early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis in general practice

[摘要] INTRODUCTION Prompt diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the most common form of inflammatory arthritis, is crucial to optimise long-term patient outcomes through prevention of joint damage and disability. However, early disease can be challenging to identify in primary care, especially given that RA makes up a small proportion of the musculoskeletal conditions that account for one in seven GP appointments.1 Patients consult with GPs a mean of four times before being referred to rheumatology services.2 The non-specific nature of symptoms at the earliest stages of RA is a barrier to GPs identifying patients with newly presenting RA.

[学科分类] 卫生学