Abstract
Monitoring the Time Course of Disability through a Self-Assessment Instrument "Activity Index" (IA) in RA Patients
Highlights
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease whose etiopathogenesis is largely unknown
Based on a RA patient sample where 84% of study patients were treated in an outpatient nursing care setting, we validated our newly developed Activity Index” (AI) instrument for tablets and smartphones by (1) A comparison with the standard Health Assessment Questionnaire Health Assessment Questionnaire” (HAQ); and (2) Regression and correlation analyses focusing on the “objective” clinical quantity “joint damage”
Our analyses revealed the validity of the AI instrument as well as its efficiency in outpatient care settings, clearing the way for routine applications among patients under RA therapy
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease whose etiopathogenesis is largely unknown. Though effective, are insufficient in so far as there is no cure for a major proportion of patients In those patients the disease becomes chronic with progressive joint damage, disability, and limitation of participation. As pain-relief, overall activity, mobility and participation are vital indicators of disability and response to RA treatment, regular patient feedback in this respect is key to a successful monitoring of the long-term effect of therapy. To manage such feedback, we have developed an easyto-use self-assessment tool “Activity Index” (AI) for tablets and smartphones that enables regular assessments of RA improvement and/or deterioration in the patients’ home environment. Ethnicity and socio-cultural factors seem to play a minor role as revealed by direct comparisons between Europe, the US and China [4,5]
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