Multidisciplinary Approach for Treat To Target In Rheumatoid Arthritis

Participants will receive a low-literacy rheumatoid arthritis educational booklet that provides general disease state information.

At each regularly scheduled clinic appointment, participants will receive treatment from their assigned rheumatologist, undergo an in-clinic physical therapy evaluation and, if indicated, a psychological evaluation. Physical therapy and psychology follow-up sessions will occur as directed by the individual services.

Participants will meet one-on-one with a rheumatology nurse for a tailored educational session encompassing disease state education, an introduction of the treat to target concept, an overview of treatment options, and goal setting and planning. During monthly follow-up calls, participant educational needs will be addressed; goal setting, planning and review will also be conducted.

During monthly calls with the healthcare coordinator, specific questions and concerns raised by participants may be addressed. The primary purpose of these calls is to control for potential benefit derived from time on the phone with a health professional.

When at home patient self-monitoring reports indicate a significant increase in RA disease activity, participants will be promptly contacted and scheduled for an ad hoc evaluation with their treating rheumatologist.