Patients with spondyloarthritis are equally satisfied with follow‐up by physiotherapist and rheumatologist

Objective International guidelines recommend that patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA) have lifelong physiotherapy, as physical activity and exercise are essential for optimizing health throughout the course of the disease. The aim of the present study was to investigate if a physiotherapy‐led outpatient clinic specializing in SpA could provide satisfactory follow‐up as an alternative to standard visits with a rheumatologist (RT). We hypothesized that satisfaction would be similar in patients followed by a physiotherapist (PT) or an RT. Methods A total of 68 patients were randomized to follow‐up every fourth month by a PT or RT, for three visits in total. Patient satisfaction was evaluated using the Leeds Satisfaction Questionnaire (LSQ). Function, mobility and disease activity were rated using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), Mobility Index (BASMI) and Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS). Results Patients were equally satisfied with PT and RT follow‐up at the first (p = 0.062) and last (p = 0.710) visit. At the second visit, the RT group was seen by a nurse, and was more satisfied than the PT group (p = 0.015). Function deteriorated in both the PT (p = 0.014) and RT (p = 0.007) groups. Mobility increased in the PT group (p = 0.020). Disease activity was not affected. Conclusions Patients seem to be equally satisfied with either of the follow‐up regimes. The PT‐led follow‐up did not seem to affect the patients' course of disease negatively. The results indicate that it would be safe to implement a PT‐led clinic for patients with SpA in specialist health services, but longer‐term follow‐up is necessary to support the findings of this study.