Development of rheumatology shared care guidelines : improving transitional care

Abstract

A poster presentation regarding the development of rheumatology shared care guidelines : improving transitional care. Introduction: Patients suffering from rheumatic conditions are prescribed biological agents and disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs which are sometimes administered in complex dosage regimens. Shared care guidelines assist healthcare professionals and patients in clinical decision making, allowing the seamless transfer of patient treatment, management and pharmaceutical care. In Malta, rheumatology patients pick up their chronic medication supply free of charge from a community pharmacy of their choice. Shared Care Models are designed to support communication and coordination between primary and secondary settings. Aims: • To compile and validate Maltese Rheumatology Shared Care

Guidelines (MRSCGs) for drugs commonly used in rheumatology with the intention of incorporating intervention guidelines for community pharmacists.

• To enhance communication between:

i. Rheumatology consultants and general practitioners

ii. Pharmacists working within hospital and community

iii. All professionals involved in Shared Care and patient

• Disseminate the MRSCGs for use within the clinical scenario with the intention of initiating a Shared Care Model in the treatment of rheumatic conditions.