Needs-based follow-up of rheumatic disease

Helse Møre og Romsdal offers digital home monitoring via CheckWare for patients with stable rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis. Patients complete a survey at least every six months through a secure online portal, where the responses are reviewed by a nurse. If necessary, the patient is contacted for further follow-up, while stable patients do not require unnecessary consultations. The service provides flexibility and need-based follow-up, while patients still undergo necessary blood tests at their general practitioner. This streamlines resource use and reduces unnecessary outpatient visits.

About the service

Helse Møre og Romsdal offers need-based, digital home monitoring for patients with rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis. This service replaces fixed, regular check-ups with patient self-reporting as needed or at least every six months. Patients fill out a survey consisting of eight questions about challenges, medications, and treatment via a secure online portal provided by CheckWare, with login through ID-Porten and electronic ID (BankID). A nurse reviews the responses, and if necessary, the patient is contacted for further assessment or appointment scheduling. If no measures are needed, the condition is considered stable, and the patient is not contacted.

This service is suitable for patients diagnosed with an arthritis condition, treated with disease-modifying medications, and in a stable phase of the disease. Patients must still have blood tests performed by their general practitioner according to the plan from the Rheumatology outpatient clinic. For healthcare professionals, this model offers the opportunity to provide more flexible and need-based follow-up, while potentially reducing unnecessary outpatient visits. It is important to ensure that patients are informed on how to use the service and that they know they can get in touch if needed between scheduled self-reportings.

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