Development and validation of RhMAT, as medication assessment tool specifically designed for rheumatoid arthritis management

Abstract

Objectives The implementation of individualised pharmaceutical care plans based on the identification of pharmaceutical care issues for rheumatoid arthritis patients presenting at outpatient clinic service has been proven to be effective in improving the quality of life of these patients. However, the identification and classification of pharmaceutical care issues into drug therapy problems does not give room to assessment of prescribing trends and adherence to international guidelines. The novel concept of medication assessment tools, is a concept which integrates pharmaceutical care issues within a larger context, that of evaluating the prescribing trends. The objective of this research was to design, and validate medication assessment tools specifically for rheumatoid arthritis patients. Methods A thorough literature review was carried out to identify the latest evidence-based guidelines on rheumatoid arthritis pharmacotherapy. The rheumatoid arthritis medication assessment tool (RhMAT) was compiled and validated. Key findings The RhMAT consists of 11 general sections with a total of 54 criteria. For every criteria given, the researcher has an option of four responses ranging from criterion not applicable (N/A), criterion adherence (yes), criterion non-adherence (no) and insufficient data to comment on the criterion. In cases where the criterion is not adhered to this can be justified adherence or unjustified and insufficient data for the researcher to be able to tick appropriately. The expert panel agreed with the final version of the RhMAT. Conclusion The innovative RhMAT was designed to act as a tool used by pharmacists to be able to detect gaps within patients' pharmacotherapy against evidence-based guidelines thereby improving the quality of service offered to patients.