The nurse's role in addressing unmet treatment and management needs of patients with rheumatoid arthritis: Delphi-based recommendations

Purpose: Evaluate nurse's role in management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: Modified Delphi with two rounds of questionnaires, followed by in-person meeting. International group of 12 nurses experienced with RA patients receiving biologic therapy. Findings: Nurses often spend more time with patients than doctors do. Nurse is in unique position to explore patient needs; educate about treatment, administration, product storage, and self-injection technique; determine readiness for and understanding of treatment; monitor safety and progress; and coordinate care within multidisciplinary setting. Conclusions: Nurse's role is complex and vitally important to optimal RA patient care. Additional nurse involvement may address unmet needs. Implications for nursing practice: Rheumatology nurses can address J. Cottrell has served on nursing and allied unmet patient needs by expanding current roles and by adopting additional functions. © 2012, The Authors.