Canadian Rheumatology Association Research Articles

Canadian Rheumatology Association/Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada Living Treatment Recommendations for the Management of Axial Spondyloarthritis.

To provide a set of living treatment recommendations that will provide contemporary guidance on the management of patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) in Canada. The Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC), in conjunction with the Canadian Rheumatology Association, organized a treatment recommendations panel composed of rheumatologists, researchers, allied health professionals, and a patient advocate. A Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE)-ADOLOPMENT approach was used in which existing guidelines were adopted or adapted to a Canadian context. Recommendations were also placed in a health equity framework. 56 recommendations were made for patients with active axSpA, stable axSpA, active or stable axSpA, comorbidities, and for assessment, screening, and imaging. Recommendations were also made for principles of management, disease monitoring, and ethical considerations. These living treatment recommendations will provide up to date guidance for the management of axSpA for Canadian practice. As part of the living model, they will be updated regularly as changes occur in the treatment landscape.

Canadian Rheumatology Association Annual Scientific Meeting RBC Convention Centre (and Virtually) Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada February 28–March 2, 2024

Canadian Rheumatology Association Annual Scientific Meeting RBC Convention Centre (and Virtually) Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada February 28–March 2, 2024

Sex-related differences in patient characteristics, and efficacy and safety of advanced therapies in randomised clinical trials in psoriatic arthritis: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis

Sex-related differences in clinical manifestations and disease outcomes exist in psoriatic arthritis, however, there is limited information on sex-related differences in randomised controlled trials of psoriatic arthritis. We aimed to compare patient characteristics and efficacy and safety of advanced therapies (including biological and targeted synthetic therapies) between male and female patients with psoriatic arthritis participating in randomised controlled trials. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched Medline, Embase, and Central databases, and conference abstract archives, from their inception to June 10, 2022, for randomised controlled trials that assessed the efficacy of advanced therapies in psoriatic arthritis. Two reviewers extracted information on participants' characteristics and rates of American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 20 and ACR50 response and minimal disease activity (MDA) by sex. Random-effects models were used to calculate pooled effects of ACR20, ACR50, and MDA in male versus female patients by drug class. We included 54 trials (11 514 [50·9%] of 22 621 participants were female and 11 107 [49·1%] were male). Sex-disaggregated results were reported in a minority of studies (nine [17%] of 54 reported baseline characteristics by sex, 18 [33%] reported efficacy by sex, and two [4%] reported safety endpoints by sex). At baseline, male patients had lower baseline tender joint count (mean difference -3·01 [95% CI -3·83 to -2·18], health assessment questionnaire scores (-0·28 [-0·33 to -0·24]), pain scores (-4·58 [-6·86 to -2·30]), patient global assessment (-3·22 [-5·27 to -1·17]), and physician global assessment (-1·34 [-2·08 to -0·08]) than did female patients. Male patients had higher baseline psoriasis area and severity index scores (mean difference 1·95 [95% CI 0·78 to 3·11]) and C-reactive protein concentrations (2·57 [0·40 to 4·74]) than did female patients. ACR20 response by sex varied across drug classes, with higher rates in males than females with interleukin (IL)-17 inhibitors (odds ratio [OR] 1·70 [95% CI 1·38-2·11]), IL-23 inhibitor (1·46 [1·20-1·78]), IL-12 and IL-23 inhibitor (2·67 [1·39-5·09]), and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors (1·55 [1·11-2·18]), but no difference with JAK and TYK2 inhibitors (1·10 [0·87-1·38]). Similarly, ACR50 response rates were higher in male patients versus female patients in all drug classes, with exception of JAK and TYK2 inhibitors (TNF inhibitors, OR 2·17 [95% CI 1·62-2·90]; IL-17 inhibitors, 1·93 [1·56-2·38]; IL-23 inhibitor, 1·71 [1·25-2·34]; IL-12 and 23 inhibitor, 2·43 [1·14-5·20]; and JAK and TYK2 inhibitors, 1·09 [0·73-1·62]). Male patients were more likely to reach MDA with most drug classes, including IL-17 inhibitors (OR 1·99 [95% CI 1·50-2·63]), IL-23 inhibitors (1·79 [1·29-2·50]), TNF inhibitors (2·62 [1·54-4·44]), and JAK and TYK2 inhibitors (1·77 [1·15-2·73]). Risk of bias was low for most studies. Biological sex of patients with psoriatic arthritis influences their response to advanced therapies, but the effect varies by drug class. Selective reporting might have influenced these results. Future trials should report baseline characteristics and endpoint results by sex. Canadian Rheumatology Association.

Choosing Wisely: The Canadian Rheumatology Association Pediatric Committee's List of Items Physicians and Patients Should Question.

To develop a list of tests or treatments frequently used in pediatric rheumatology practice which may be unnecessary based on existing evidence. A Choosing Wisely (CW) Working Group composed of 16 pediatric rheumatologists, one allied health practitioner, one parent, and one patient used the Delphi method to generate, rank, and refine a list of tests and treatments that may be unnecessary or harmful. The items with the highest content agreement and perceived impact were presented in a survey to all Canadian Rheumatology Association (CRA) physicians who practice pediatric rheumatology. Respondents were asked to rate their agreement, impact, and rank the items. Five items with the highest composite scores and two additional items selected by the CW Working Group were put forward for literature review. The initial Delphi procedure generated 80 items. After three rounds, the list was narrowed to 13 items. The survey was completed by 41/81 (51%) CRA pediatric members across Canada. Respondent characteristics were similar to the CRA pediatric membership for gender, geographical location, and career stage. The highest composite score items were anti-nuclear antibody testing, drug toxicity monitoring, human leukocyte antigen-B27 testing, rheumatoid factor/anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide testing, and Lyme serology testing. Two additional items (numerous or repeated intra-articular corticosteroid injections, and autoinflammatory diseases genetic testing) were also selected. Literature review was performed for these seven highest priority items. We have identified areas for quality improvement in the evaluation and treatment of rheumatic diseases in Canadian children.

Canadian Rheumatology Association Meeting, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, February 8-11, 2023.

The 77th Annual Meeting of the Canadian Rheumatology Association was held both in person at the Quebec City Convention Centre in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, and virtually on February 8-11, 2023. The program consisted of presentations covering original research, symposia, awards, and lectures.

What's in a Name? That Which We Call JIA, by Any Other Name, Would It Still Be the Same Childhood Arthritis?

Disease classification remains one of the great debates in rheumatology. The age-old question of being a lumper or a splitter is now complicated by the principles underlying precision health, where the aim is for a solution tailored to each individual, technically making every person unique and their own subgroup. Continuing debate swirls over classification and nomenclature in childhood arthritis. This article will provide an unapologetically Canadian lens to the debate and highlight discussions from the recent Dunlop-Dottridge Lectureship at the 2023 Canadian Rheumatology Association Annual Scientific Meeting.

A survey of Canadian adult rheumatologists' knowledge, comfort level, and barriers in assessing psychosocial needs of young adults with rheumatic diseases.

To assess adult rheumatologists' comfort level, current practices, and barriers to provision of optimal care in supporting young adults with pediatric-onset rheumatic conditions in Canada. Survey questions were informed by literature review, a needs assessment, and using milestones listed by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada for the entrustable professional activities (EPAs) applicable to care for rheumatology patients transitioning to adult practice. The electronic survey was distributed to adult rheumatology members of the Canadian Rheumatology Association over 4months. Four hundred and fifty-one rheumatologists received the survey, with a response rate of 15.2%. Most respondents were from Ontario and had been in practice ≥ 10years. Three quarters reported a lack of training in transition care although the same proportion were interested in learning more about the same. Approximately 40% felt comfortable discussing psychosocial concerns such as gender identity, sexuality, contraception, drug and alcohol use, vaping, and mental health. Despite this, 45-50% reported not discussing vaping or gender identity at all. The most frequently reported barriers to providing transition care were lack of primary care providers, allied health support, and training in caring for this age group. Most adult rheumatologists lack formal training in transition care and view it as a barrier to providing care for this unique patient population. Future educational initiatives for adult rheumatology trainees should include issues pertaining to adolescents and young adults. More research is needed to assess the effectiveness of resources such as transition navigators in ensuring a successful transition process.

Canadian Rheumatology Association Recommendations for the Screening, Monitoring, and Treatment of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis-Associated Uveitis.

To develop Canadian recommendations for the screening, monitoring, and treatment of uveitis associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Recommendations were developed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE)-ADOLOPMENT approach. A working group of 14 pediatric rheumatologists, 6 ophthalmologists, 2 methodologists, and 3 caregiver/patient representatives reviewed recent American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/Arthritis Foundation (AF) recommendations and worked in pairs to develop evidence-to-decision (EtD) tables. A survey to assess agreement and recommendations requiring group discussion was completed. EtD tables were presented, discussed, and voted upon at a virtual meeting, to produce the final recommendations. A health equity framework was applied to all aspects of the adolopment process including the EtD tables, survey responses, and virtual meeting discussion. The survey identified that 7 of the 19 recommendations required rigorous discussion. Seventy-five percent of working group members attended the virtual meeting to discuss controversial topics as they pertained to the Canadian environment, including timing to first eye exam, frequency of screening, escalation criteria for systemic and biologic therapy, and the role of nonbiologic therapies. Equity issues related to access to care and advanced therapeutics across Canadian provinces and territories were highlighted. Following the virtual meeting, 5 recommendations were adapted, 2 recommendations were removed, and 1 was developed de novo. Recommendations for JIA-associated uveitis were adapted to the Canadian context by a working group of pediatric rheumatologists, ophthalmologists with expertise in the management of uveitis, and parent/patient input, taking into consideration cost, equity, and access.

Canadian Rheumatology Association Living Guidelines for the Pharmacological Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis With Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs.

To provide the initial installment of a living guideline that will provide up-to-date guidance on the pharmacological management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Canada. The Canadian Rheumatology Association (CRA) formed a multidisciplinary panel composed of rheumatologists, researchers, methodologists, and patients. In this first installment of our living guideline, the panel developed a recommendation for the tapering of biologic and targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (b/ts DMARD) therapy in patients in sustained remission using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) approach, including a health equity framework developed for the Canadian RA population. The recommendation was adapted from a living guideline of the Australia & New Zealand Musculoskeletal Clinical Trials Network. In people with RA who are in sustained low disease activity or remission for at least 6 months, we suggest offering stepwise reduction in the dose of b/tsDMARD without discontinuation, in the context of a shared decision, provided patients are able to rapidly access rheumatology care and reestablish their medications if needed. In patients where rapid access to care or reestablishing access to medications is challenging, we conditionally recommend against tapering. A patient decision aid was developed to complement the recommendation. This living guideline will provide contemporary RA management recommendations for Canadian practice. New recommendations will be added over time and updated, with the latest recommendation, evidence summaries, and Evidence to Decision summaries available through the CRA website (www.rheum.ca).

Canadian Rheumatology Association Annual Meeting, February 2-5, 2022.

The 76th Annual Meeting of the Canadian Rheumatology Association was held virtually on February 2-5, 2022. The program consisted of presentations covering original research, symposia, awards, and lectures. Highlights of the meeting include the following 2022 Award Winners: Distinguished Rheumatologist, John G. Hanly and Lori B. Tucker; Distinguished Teacher-Educator, Stephen Aaron; Emerging Investigator, Jessica Widdifield; Ian Watson Award for the Best Abstract on SLE Research by a Trainee, Maher Banjari; Phil Rosen Award for the Best Abstract on Clinical or Epidemiology Research by a Trainee, Molly Dushnicky; Best Abstract by a Rheumatology Resident, Wen Qi; Best Abstract on Basic Science Research by a Trainee, Omar Cruz Correa; Best Abstract by a Post-Graduate Research Trainee, Holly Philpott; Best Abstract on Quality Care Initiatives in Rheumatology, Michael Zeeman; Best Abstract by a Medical Student, Samir Magdy Iskander; Best Abstract by an Undergraduate Student, Daniel Onwuka; Best Abstract by a Rheumatology Post-Graduate Research Trainee, Jennifer Lee; Best Abstract on Research by Young Faculty, Nancy Maltez; Best Abstract on Pediatric Research by Young Faculty, Chelsea DeCoste; Best Abstract on Spondyloarthritis Research, Vanessa Ocampo; Practice Reflection Award, Gold, Bailey Dyck. Lectures and other events included: Keynote Lecture by Grace Wright: Towards Equity: Is Everyone in the Rheum Paving the Path to Equity with Diversity?; State of the Art Lecture by Tuhina Neogi: Pain Across the Spectrum of Rheumatic Diseases; Dunlop-Dottridge Lecture by Simon Carette: Vasculitis: What Have We Learned in the Past 50 Years?; and the Great Debate: Be it Resolved that the Rheumatology Healthcare Provider Is Responsible for Prescribing and Monitoring Physical Activity. Arguing for: Claire LeBlanc and Laura Passalent, and against: Arthur Bookman and Marie Clements-Baker. Topics including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, Sjögren syndrome, psoriatic arthritis, spondyloarthritis, vasculitis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and their respective diagnoses, treatments, and outcomes are reflected in the abstracts, which we are pleased to publish in this issue of The Journal of Rheumatology.

Harmonization of Public Coverage Policies for Biologic Drugs in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis


 For rheumatoid arthritis (RA), treatment guidelines and clinical evidence support the combination (either dual or triple) of conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) before accessing a biologic DMARD (bDMARD). Federal, provincial, and territorial (FPT) drug plans currently have different coverage criteria for bDMARD eligibility in RA. To align their criteria, these plans should consider the inclusion of at least 1 line of combination csDMARDs before a bDMARD:
 
 For dual csDMARDs: Saskatchewan, Veterans Affairs Canada, and Canadian Armed Forces would need to change their current coverage criteria to include at least 1 line of dual csDMARDs before access to a bDMARD.
 For triple csDMARDs: Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Veterans Affairs Canada, and Canadian Armed Forces would need to alter their current coverage criteria because each of these FPT drug plans only consider csDMARD monotherapy or dual csDMARDs in their current coverage criteria.
 
 
 Most FPT drug plans require a failure of at least 2 lines to 3 lines of csDMARD therapy before a bDMARD, except British Columbia, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, Veterans Affairs Canada, and Canadian Armed Forces, which offer an option to access bDMARDs after 1 line of combination csDMARDs. British Columbia, Ontario, the Atlantic provinces, Yukon, Correctional Service of Canada, and Non-Insured Health Benefits include triple csDMARDs in their coverage criteria. Alberta, Manitoba, Veterans Affairs Canada, and Canadian Armed Forces include dual, but not triple, csDMARDs in their criteria; however, Veterans Affairs Canada and Canadian Armed Forces do not require a trial of dual csDMARDs if 2 lines of csDMARD monotherapy have been attempted. Saskatchewan is the only jurisdiction that only requires csDMARD monotherapy. Canadian private insurers have also reached a consensus to implement a trial requirement of dual csDMARDs before a bDMARD across their formularies.
 Evidence-based guidelines, including the 2012 Canadian Rheumatology Association guidelines, recommend csDMARD monotherapy (methotrexate [MTX] is preferred unless contraindicated) as first-line treatment for RA, although a guideline published in 2018 by the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology stated that combination therapy with 2 or more csDMARDs may also be used as a first-line treatment. These guidelines generally recommend combination csDMARDs after csDMARD monotherapy is deemed ineffective.
 A network meta-analysis found that triple csDMARDs is more efficacious than dual csDMARDs, etanercept monotherapy, and 4 mg/kg tocilizumab monotherapy and comparable to other bDMARDs (alone or in combination with MTX), targeted synthetic DMARDs in combination with MTX, and biosimilars in combination with MTX. Additionally, economic evidence demonstrated that triple csDMARDs is more cost-effective than etanercept plus MTX combination therapy.
 Time to first bDMARD was, on average, longer in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario than in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Atlantic provinces by approximately 4 months, which may be partially explained by differences in coverage criteria for the number of prior lines of csDMARD therapy required. Increasing the time to initiating a bDMARD could lead to budget savings without impacting clinical outcomes.

Results From the 2020 Canadian Rheumatology Association's Workforce and Wellness Survey.

The Canadian Rheumatology Association (CRA) launched the Workforce and Wellness Survey to update the Canadian rheumatology workforce characteristics. The survey included demographic and practice information, pandemic effects, and the Mini Z survey to assess burnout. French and English survey versions were distributed to CRA members electronically between October 14, 2020, and March 5, 2021. The number of full-time equivalent (FTE) rheumatologists per 75,000 population was estimated from the median proportion of time in clinical practice multiplied by provincial rheumatologist numbers from the Canadian Medical Association. Forty-four percent (183/417) of the estimated practicing rheumatologists (149 adult; 34 pediatric) completed the survey. The median age was 47 years, 62% were female, and 28% planned to retire within the next 5-10 years. Respondents spent a median of 65% of their time in clinical practice. FTE rheumatologists per 75,000 population were 0.62 nationally and ranged between 0.00 and 0.70 in each province/territory. This represents a deficit of 1-78 FTE rheumatologists per province/territory and 194 FTE rheumatologists nationally to meet the CRA's workforce benchmark. Approximately half of survey respondents reported burnout (51%). Women were more likely to report burnout (OR 2.86, 95% CI 1.42-5.93). Older age was protective against burnout (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.92-0.99). As a result of the pandemic, 97% of rheumatologists reported spending more time engaged in virtual care. There is a shortage of rheumatologists in Canada. This shortage may be compounded by the threat of burnout to workforce retention and productivity. Strategies to address these workforce issues are needed urgently.

Screening for Hepatitis B Virus Prior to Initiating Tocilizumab and Tofacitinib in Patients With Rheumatic Diseases: A Cross-sectional Study.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can reactivate among rheumatology patients initiating tocilizumab (TCZ) or tofacitinib (TOF). HBV screening is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), and the Canadian Rheumatology Association, but it is not explicitly recommended by the American College of Rheumatology. We conducted a cross-sectional study to characterize HBV screening practices for adult rheumatology patients initiating TCZ or TOF before December 31, 2018, in the Greater Boston area. We classified appropriate HBV screening patterns prior to TCZ or TOF (i.e., HBV surface antigen [HBsAg], total core antibody [anti-HBcAb], and surface antibody [HBsAb]) as follows: complete (all 3 tested), partial (any 1 or 2 tests), or none. We determined the frequency of inappropriate HBV testing (HBV e-antigen, anti-HBcAb IgM, or HBV DNA without a positive HBsAg or total anti-HBcAb) and used multivariable regression to assess factors associated with complete HBV screening. Among 678 subjects initiating TCZ, 194 (29%) completed appropriate HBV screening, 307 (45%) had partial screening, and 177 (26%) had none. Among 391 subjects initiating TOF, 94 (24%) completed appropriate HBV screening, 195 (50%) had partial screening, and 102 (26%) had none. Inappropriate testing was performed in 22% of subjects. Race was associated with complete HBV screening (White vs non-White: OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.57-0.95), whereas prior immunosuppression was not (conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs [DMARDs]: OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.72-1.55; biologic DMARDs: OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.48-1.12). Patients initiating TCZ or TOF are infrequently screened for HBV despite recommendations from the AASLD and CDC.

Canadian Rheumatology Association Recommendation for the Use of COVID-19 Vaccination for Patients With Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases.

To develop guidance on the use of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARD). The Canadian Rheumatology Association (CRA) formed a multidisciplinary panel including rheumatologists, researchers, methodologists, vaccine experts, and patients. The panel used the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) approach. Outcomes were prioritized according to their importance for patients and clinicians. Evidence from the COVID-19 clinical trials was summarized. Indirect evidence for non-COVID-19 vaccines in ARD was also considered. The GRADE evidence-to-decision (EtD) framework was used to develop a recommendation for the use of the 4 COVID-19 vaccines approved in Canada as of March 25, 2021 (BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, ChAdOx1, and Ad26.COV2.S), over 4 virtual panel meetings. The CRA guideline panel suggests using COVID-19 vaccination in persons with ARD. The panel unanimously agreed that for the majority of patients, the potential health benefits of vaccination outweigh the potential harms in people with ARDs. The recommendation was graded as conditional because of low or very low certainty of the evidence on the effects in the population of interest, primarily due to indirectness and imprecise effect estimates. The panel felt strongly that persons with autoimmune rheumatic diseases who meet local eligibility should not be required to take additional steps compared to people without ARDs to obtain their vaccination. Guidance on medications, implementation, monitoring of vaccine uptake, and research priorities are also provided. This recommendation will be updated over time as new evidence emerges, with the latest recommendation, evidence summaries, and EtD available on the CRA website.

Canadian Rheumatology Association Meeting Virtual Congress February 24 - 26, 2021.

The 75th Annual Meeting of The Canadian Rheumatology Association was held virtually on February 24-26, 2021. The program consisted of presentations covering original research, symposia, awards, and lectures. Highlights of the meeting include the following 2021 Award Winners: Distinguished Rheumatologist, Rachel Shupak; Distinguished Investigator, Sasha Bernatsky; Distinguished Teacher-Educator, Elaine Yacyshyn; Emerging Investigator, Zahi Touma; Ian Watson Award for the Best Abstract on SLE Research by a Trainee, Raffaella Carlomagno; Phil Rosen Award for the Best Abstract on Clinical or Epidemiology Research by a Trainee, Kimberley Yuen; Best Abstract by a Rheumatology Resident, Ariane Barbacki; Best Abstract on Basic Science Research by a Trainee, Andrew Kwan; Best Abstract by a Post-Graduate Research Trainee, Luiza Grazziotin; Best Abstract on Quality Care Initiatives in Rheumatology, Nadia Luca; Best Abstract by a Medical Student, Daniel Levin; Best Abstract by an Undergraduate Student, Anson Lee; Best Abstract by a Rheumatology Post-Graduate Research Trainee, Jennifer Lee; Best Abstract on Research by Young Faculty, Lihi Eder; Best Abstract on Spondyloarthritis Research, Sandeep Dhillon; Practice Reflection Award, Gold, Stephanie Gottheil; CRA Master Awards, Ciarán M. Duffy, Mary-Ann Fitzcharles, James M. Henderson. Lectures and other events included: Keynote Lecture by Danielle Martin: Delivering on What Matters: Lessons from Canada's Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic; State of the Art Lecture by Michael Libman: Vaccination and Travel: Should I or Shouldn't I?; Dunlop-Dottridge Lecture by Dan Kastner: Rheumatic Disease and the Human Condition; and the Great Debate: Be it Resolved that Telemedicine Allows Rheumatologists to Provide Excellent Care to Patients with Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases. Arguing for: Alexandra Saltman and Tommy Gerschman, and against: Brent Ohata and Jocelyne Murdoch. Topics including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, Sjögren syndrome, psoriatic arthritis, spondyloarthritis, vasculitis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and their respective diagnoses, treatments, and outcomes are reflected in the abstracts, which we are pleased to publish in this issue of The Journal.

Supporting Equity in Rheumatoid Arthritis Outcomes in Canada: Population-specific Factors in Patient-centered Care.

Health equity considerations have not been incorporated into prior Canadian Rheumatology Association guidelines. Our objective was to identify the challenges and possible solutions to mitigate threats to health equity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) care in Canada. A consultation process informed selection of priority populations, determined to be rural and remote, Indigenous, elderly with frailty, first-generation immigrant and refugee, low income and vulnerably housed, and diverse gender and sex populations. Semistructured interviews were completed with patients with lived experience, healthcare providers, and equity-oriented researchers. These interviews probed on population factors, initial and ongoing healthcare access issues, and therapeutic considerations influencing RA care. Known or proposed solutions to mitigate inequities during implementation of service models for the population group were requested. The research team used a phenomenological thematic analysis model and mapped the data into a logic model. Solutions applicable to several population groups were proposed. Thirty-five interviews were completed to identify realities for each population in accessing RA care. Five themes emerged as primary solutions to population-based inequities, including actively improving the patient-practitioner relationship, increasing accessibility and coordination of care through alternative models of care, upholding autonomy in treatment selection while actively addressing logistical barriers and individualized therapy needs, collaborating with health supports valued by the patient, and being advocates for policy change and health system restructuring to ensure appropriate resource redistribution. The challenges for populations facing inequities in rheumatology care and promising solutions should inform guideline development and implementation, policy change, and health system restructuring.

Factors influencing rheumatology residents' decision on future practice location.

BackgroundThere are regional disparities in the distribution of Canadian rheumatologists. The objective of this study was to identify factors impacting rheumatology residents’ postgraduate practice decisions to inform Canadian Rheumatology Association workforce recommendations.MethodsAn online survey was developed, and invitations were sent to all current Canadian rheumatology residents in 2019 (n = 67). Differences between subgroups of respondents were examined using the Pearson χ2 test.ResultsA total of 34 of 67 residents completed the survey. Seventy-three percent of residents planned to practice in the same province as their rheumatology training. The majority of residents (80%) ranked proximity to friends and family as the most important factor in planning. Half of participants had exposure to alternative modes of care delivery (e.g. telehealth) during their rheumatology training with fifteen completing a community rheumatology elective (44%).ConclusionsThe majority of rheumatology residents report plans to practice in the same province as they trained, and close to home. Gaps in training include limited exposure to community electives in smaller centers, and training in telehealth and travelling clinics for underserviced populations. Our findings highlight the need for strategies to increase exposure of rheumatology trainees to underserved areas to help address the maldistribution of rheumatologists.

National Priorities for High-quality Rheumatology Transition Care for Youth in Canada.

To conduct a needs assessment and environmental scan to support optimal transition from pediatric to adult rheumatology care in Canada. This initiative involved 3 phases: (1) a survey-based needs assessment of adult and pediatric rheumatologist members of the Canadian Rheumatology Association to identify perceived infrastructure, educational needs, and national resources to support transition care; (2) an environmental scan, through semistructured interviews, of existing rheumatology transition service care models and challenges in care delivery; and (3) a focus group to prioritize national activities. The needs assessment survey was completed by 65 members, with 66% agreeing that a national approach to transition care was needed. Semistructured interviews reflecting activities at 9 transition care sites were conducted, and they identified candidate models of care, including direct transfer, progressive transfer, and shared care models. Challenges and needs experienced in these care models reflected resource and infrastructure needs, poor availability of mechanisms to support parents and youth through the transition process, and the need for evaluation to support quality improvement. The focus group and prioritization activity was attended by 26 participants, with each having the ability to cast 3 votes. "Supporting patient education for transition to adult rheumatology health care system" (n = 17 votes) and "advocacy activities to access allied health support, including funding" (n = 10 votes) emerged as the top priorities for national initiatives. We have identified priorities in education and advocacy for advancing transition care in Canada that require participation of pediatric and adult rheumatology providers, patients, and arthritis stakeholders in the interest of advancing transition care outcomes.

Guidelines on prescribing and monitoring antimalarials in rheumatic diseases: a systematic review

The purpose of this systematic review was to identify existing guidelines for antimalarial prescribing and monitoring, specifically for hydroxychloroquine, and how these guidelines compare and have evolved over time. A literature search was conducted using Embase and Medline to identify guidelines published from 1946-2018. MeSH terms were used and alternative spelling and related words were entered as keywords to broaden results. 243 results were reviewed to obtain 11 recommendations. Ophthalmology sources included the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Royal College of Ophthalmologists and Canadian editorials. The American College of Rheumatology and Canadian Rheumatology Association consensus statements summarised rheumatology recommendations. Recently, American and British guidelines changed from suggesting hydroxychloroquine doses ≤6.5 mg/kg/day to ≤5 mg/kg/day. American guidelines recommended baseline visual field (VF) testing and annual screening after five years. Visual field (VF) testing evolved from the Amsler grid to current recommendations of 10-2 automated VF and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). The 2012 Canadian recommendations suggested initial VF testing every two years, with SD-OCT after 10 years. Older British guidelines advocated for baseline and annual assessment with Amsler grids during rheumatology clinic visits. The 2018 British guidelines supported baseline and annual screening after five years with 10-2 VF, SD-OCT and fundus autofluorescence. The newest recommendations are heterogeneous suggesting lower hydroxychloroquine dosing. Retinal toxicity is irreversible and the risk increases over time. Annual screening after five years with automated VF and SD-OCT may be warranted to detect early changes and discontinue therapy if necessary.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension screening practices in scleroderma patients among Canadian rheumatologists.

Current international guidelines recommend annual screening for pulmonary arterial hypertension with transthoracic echocardiogram and pulmonary function testing in all patients with scleroderma (systemic sclerosis). Our objectives were to determine Canadian rheumatologists' screening practices for pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients with systemic sclerosis and identify reasons why current guideline recommendations may not be followed. A survey was emailed to all Canadian Rheumatology Association members. They self-identified as systemic sclerosis experts or non-experts and provided basic demographic data. Participants were asked how frequently they screened with transthoracic echocardiogram and pulmonary function testing and, if applicable, why they did not adhere to recommendations. A total of 71 rheumatologists participated, of whom 43 identified as non-experts. Overall, 81.4% ordered annual transthoracic echocardiogram and 77.6% annual pulmonary function testing. Rates of annual transthoracic echocardiogram testing were similar between experts and non-experts, whereas experts ordered annual pulmonary function testing more often. Clinicians with a higher proportion of systemic sclerosis patients in their practice were more likely to follow guidelines. There was an inverse relationship between years in practice and adherence to screening guidelines. The most common reason for not following screening guidelines was disagreement with recommendations, followed by unfamiliarity with guidelines. Pulmonary arterial hypertension screening rates remain sub-optimal in Canada but have improved since 2012. Failure to adopt guidelines is due to rheumatologists disagreeing with or not knowing current recommendations. Future studies should examine why rheumatologists disagree with guidelines and how to improve awareness.