Study on ASAS/EULAR Recommendations for Ankylosing Spondylitis Management
Author Information
Author(s): L Gossec, M Dougados, C Phillips, M Hammoudeh, K de Vlam, K Pavelka, T Pham, J Braun, J Sieper, I Olivieri, D van der Heijde, E Collantes, M Stone, T K Kvien
Primary Institution: Paris Descartes University
Hypothesis
How well do rheumatologists agree with and apply the ASAS/EULAR recommendations for managing ankylosing spondylitis?
Conclusion
The study shows very high conceptual agreement with the ASAS/EULAR recommendations among rheumatologists, but highlights inequalities in access to healthcare for patients with ankylosing spondylitis in Europe.
Supporting Evidence
- 7206 questionnaires were sent out, with a 21% response rate.
- 62% of the respondents were men, with a mean age of 49 years.
- Conceptual agreement with the recommendations was high, averaging 8.9 out of 10.
- Self-reported application of the recommendations was also high, averaging 8.2 out of 10.
- Barriers to application included funding issues and lack of patient compliance.
Takeaway
Doctors mostly agree on how to treat a disease called ankylosing spondylitis, but some have trouble using the recommended treatments.
Methodology
A questionnaire was sent to rheumatologists in 10 countries to assess their agreement with and application of the recommendations.
Potential Biases
Selection bias may have occurred as the list of respondents was determined by national investigators.
Limitations
The response rate was low at 21%, and the sample may not represent all rheumatologists.
Participant Demographics
62% of respondents were men, with a mean age of 49 years and 34% holding academic positions.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.028
Confidence Interval
1.03 to 1.72
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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