Barriers and facilitators in diagnosing axial spondyloarthritis: a qualitative study.

Introduction: Diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is frequently delayed for years after symptom onset. However, little is known about patient and healthcare professional (HCP) perspectives on barriers and facilitators in axSpA diagnosis. This study explored the experiences and perceptions of both groups regarding the factors affecting the timely diagnosis of axSpA.

"We have to change our mindsets": a qualitative study of barriers and facilitators in research collaboration across integrated care system organisations.

The introduction of Integrated Care Systems (ICS) in England aimed to increase joint planning and delivery of health and social care, and other services, to better meet the needs of local communities. There is an associated duty to undertake collaborative research across ICS partners to inform this new integrated approach, which might be challenging given that organisations span health, local authority, voluntary and community sector, and research. This study aimed to explore the appetite for collaborative Research and Innovation (R&I) across ICSs, potential barriers and solutions.

Improving patients' experiences of diagnosis and treatment of vertebral fracture: co-production of knowledge sharing resources.

Background: Osteoporosis involves changes to bones that makes them prone to fracture. The most common osteoporotic fracture is vertebral, in which one or more spinal vertebrae collapse. People with vertebral fracture are at high risk of further fractures, however around two-thirds remain undiagnosed.

Evaluating the impact of the supporting the advancement of research skills (STARS) programme on research knowledge, engagement and capacity-building in a health and social care organisation in England.

Objectives: To evaluate the impact a novel education programme - to improve research engagement, awareness, understanding and confidence - had on a diverse health and social care workforce. Barriers and facilitators to engagement were explored together with research capacity-building opportunities and ways to embed a research culture. The programme is entitled 'Supporting The Advancement of Research Skills' (STARS programme); the paper reports findings from a health and social care setting in England, UK.

The information required by people with inflammatory arthritis when taking Methotrexate: a mixed-methods systematic review.

Objectives: This mixed-methods systematic review aimed to identify and synthesize knowledge of the characteristics, content, and preferred format of information to support people with inflammatory arthritis (IA) to take MTX.

Methods: A literature search using MEDLINE, The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsychInfo, GreyEU, Web of Science and Open Dissertation was conducted to identify all studies published from 2000 to December 2022. Included studies detailed factors related to MTX information needs of people aged ≥18 years with IA published in English.

Plantar pressures in people with midfoot osteoarthritis: cross-sectional findings from the Clinical Assessment Study of the Foot.

Background: Midfoot osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition, however its aetiology is not well understood. Understanding how plantar pressures differ between people with and without midfoot OA may provide insight into the aetiology and how best to manage this condition.

Research Question: To compare plantar pressures between people with and without symptomatic radiographic midfoot OA.

The cost-effectiveness of adding an ultrasound corticosteroid and local anaesthetic injection to advice and education for hip osteoarthritis.

Objectives: Evidence for the comparative cost-effectiveness of intra-articular corticosteroid injection in people with hip osteoarthritis (OA) remains unclear. This study investigated the cost-effectiveness of best current treatment (BCT), comprising advice and education, with BCT plus a single ultrasound-guided intra-articular hip injection of 40 mg triamcinolone acetonide and 4 ml 1% lidocaine hydrochloride (BCT+US-T).

Methods: A trial-based cost-utility analysis of BCT+US-T compared with BCT was undertaken over 6 months.

Predictors of outcome in sciatica patients following an epidural steroid injection: the POiSE prospective observational cohort study protocol.

Introduction: Sciatica can be very painful and, in most cases, is due to pressure on a spinal nerve root from a disc herniation with associated inflammation. For some patients, the pain persists, and one management option is a spinal epidural steroid injection (ESI). The aim of an ESI is to relieve leg pain, improve function and reduce the need for surgery.

Nonsurgical management of hallux valgus: findings of a randomised pilot and feasibility trial.

Background: Hallux valgus is a common and disabling condition. This randomised pilot and feasibility trial aimed to determine the feasibility of conducting a parallel group randomised trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a nonsurgical intervention for reducing pain associated with hallux valgus.

Methods: Twenty-eight community-dwelling women with painful hallux valgus were randomised to receive either a multifaceted, nonsurgical intervention (footwear, foot orthoses, foot exercises, advice, and self-management) or usual care (advice and self-management alone).

A scoping review of patient self-report measures of flare in knee and hip osteoarthritis (OA): A report from the OMERACT flares in OA working group.

Purpose: We aimed to analyze the content validity/domain match and feasibility of self-report instruments that could measure flare in osteoarthritis (OA), by extending our 2017 literature review on the definition of flare in knee and hip OA.

Method: We searched PubMed (Medline), Web of Science and PsycInfo (Ebsco Host) databases for original articles reporting research about flare (or synonyms) in humans with knee and hip OA, between 2017 and 2023. Four experts worked independently, checking the records, and assessing content validity and feasibility, writing justification for exclusion.

Patient experiences of the Long COVID-Optimal Health Programme: a qualitative interview study in community settings.

Background: Long COVID (LC) symptoms persist 12 weeks or more beyond the acute infection. To date, no standardised diagnostic or treatment pathways exist. However, a holistic approach has been recommended.

Without a Care: Racial Capitalism Is at the Heart of the National Health Service.

In response to the arguments put forward by Dryden (2023), this paper discusses the disproportionate toll of the COVID-19 pandemic on racially marginalized communities - particularly, Black healthcare workers. There were numerous reports in the media that Black people were being treated poorly by healthcare providers and that Black healthcare workers felt poorly protected compared to their white counterparts. This paper argues that the National Health Service has been maintained through a system of racial capitalism.

The INSIGHT project: reflections on the co-production of a quality recognition programme to showcase excellence in public involvement in health and care research.

Background: The quality of Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) in healthcare research varies considerably and is frequently tokenistic. We aimed to co-produce the Insight | Public Involvement Quality Recognition and Awards programme, based on the UK Standards for Public Involvement (UKSPI) alongside an incremental scale designed by Expert Citizens (a lived experience-led community group), to incentivise and celebrate continuous improvement in PPI.

Methods: We used Task and Finish Groups (19/44 [43%] public contributor membership) to co-produce the programme which we piloted in three organisations with different healthcare research models.

Rheumatology nurses' perceptions of undertaking a postgraduate education programme: A phenomenological study.

Background: The expansion of the role of the rheumatology nurse specialist led to the instigation, in 1999, of the first Masters programme in rheumatology nursing, with the aim of supporting clinical advancement with evidence-based practice. This study explored the experience of rheumatology nurses undertaking postgraduate study at Masters level.

Objectives: (1) To explore the perceptions and experiences of clinical nurse specialists undertaking a Masters programme in Rheumatology Nursing, including perceptions of impact.

A multi-professional survey of UK practice in the use of intra-articular corticosteroid injection for symptomatic first metatarsophalangeal joint osteoarthritis.

Background: The first metatarsophalangeal joint is the most common site of osteoarthritis (OA) in the foot and ankle. Intra-articular corticosteroid injections are widely used for this condition, but little is known about their use in practice. This study explored current practice within the UK National Health Service (NHS) relating to the administration of intra-articular corticosteroids for people with painful first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) OA.

Safety of colchicine and NSAID prophylaxis when initiating urate-lowering therapy for gout: propensity score-matched cohort studies in the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink.

Objectives: To determine the risk of adverse events associated with colchicine or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) prophylaxis when initiating allopurinol for gout.

Methods: We conducted two matched retrospective cohort studies in linked UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink and Hospital Episode Statistics datasets. Adults initiating allopurinol for gout with (1) colchicine or (2) NSAID prophylaxis were compared with those initiating without prophylaxis, individually matched by age, sex and propensity to receive the relevant prophylaxis.

Prognosis of Patients With Neuropathic Low Back-Related Leg Pain: An Exploratory Study Using Prospective Data From UK Primary Care.

This prospective cohort study investigates the prognosis of patients with neuropathic low back-related leg pain consulting in UK primary care. Data from 511 patients were collected using standardised baseline clinical examinations (including magnetic resonance imaging scan findings), self-report questionnaires at baseline, 4 months, 12 months, and 3 years. Cases of possible neuropathic pain (NP) and persistent-NP were identified using either of 2 definitions: 1) clinical diagnosis of sciatica, 2) self-report version of leeds assessment for neurological symptoms and signs (s-LANSS).

Heterogeneity of treatment responses in rheumatoid arthritis using group based trajectory models: secondary analysis of clinical trial data.

Background: Traditionally rheumatoid arthritis (RA) trials classify patients as responders and non-responders; they ignore the potential range of treatment responses. Group Based Trajectory Models (GBTMs) provide a more refined approach. They identify patient subgroups with similar outcome trajectories.

Association of Bone Shape and Alignment Analyzed Using Statistical Shape Modeling With Severity of First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Osteoarthritis.

Objective: We aimed to explore the relationship between bone shape and radiographic severity in individuals with first metatarsophalangeal joint osteoarthritis (first MTP joint OA).

Methods: Weightbearing lateral and dorsoplantar radiographs were obtained for the symptomatic foot of 185 participants (105 females, aged 22 to 85 years) with clinically diagnosed first MTP joint OA. Participants were classified into none/mild, moderate, or severe categories using a standardized atlas.