AB1423-HPR One year follow-up of web-based medical folder accessible by patients suffering from rheumatoide arthritis (RA) and their rheumatologists (meteor software)

Background Systematic evaluation of disease activity using a composite index such as DAS results in benefit for RA patients via an appropriate treatment strategy. Involving patients in such procedure might facilitate its implementation. Objectives To evaluate the use of the online individual medical folder (e.g. METEOR) by RA patients and their rheumatologists. Methods Design: Mono-center observational study. Patients: RA patients with a personal access to internet were invited to participate. Study procedure: After elaboration of his/her personal file by a clinical research nurse using the METEOR software (www.meteorapplication.com), patients were educated on how using the software and in particular how filling the HAQ score. Outcome measures: Both the rheumatologist’s and patient’s interest were assessed by the number of DAS (by the rheumatologist) and number of HAQ evaluations (by the patient) notified in METEOR software during one year, compared with the number of visits in the hospitals. Results From March 2009 to December 2011, 70 out of the 155 patients participating at the METEOR program had a follow-up of at least one year. The 70 patients had the following characteristics: mean age 53.2 yrs (28.8-75), female gender (80%), mean disease duration 9.3 yrs (0-29). The majority of the patients (89%) were receiving at least one DMARD including a biologic in 35 patients (50%). The baseline DAS and HAQ were 2.78 (0-6.96) and 0.55 (0-2.38) respectively. During the one year follow-up period, DAS and HAQ were entered in the METEOR software by 60% and 63% of the patients respectively and at least twice by 36% and 39% respectively. DAS was available on the METEOR Website for only 50% of the visits. Moreover, 22 patients (31%) entered HAQ data at home at least once during the one year follow-up period. Conclusions Our study suggests that despite a high interest of the patients while presenting them the METEOR initiative, such interest seems to decrease overtime probably due to the poor participation/collaboration of their rheumatologists. Disclosure of Interest None Declared