Usefulness Of Touch-Panel Method For The Evaluation Of Functional Ability In Rheumatoid Arthritis

Background In recent years, we have to evaluate the disease activity more precisely and more complexly in a tight schedule. Therefore we need the convenient system both for inputting the information and viewing the sufficient data. We developed an original computerized touch-panel type screening system for assessment of HAQ and visual analog scale (VAS). This is connecting to our original medical database for RA patients, called “MIRAI”, MIRAI works as a supporting system for the electronic health record. It is possible to show the record of prescription for RA, DAS28, SDAI, CDAI, RAPID3, CRP, HAQ, map of swollen/tender joints and physician’s VAS on the same screen. Objectives We assessed the usefulness of our original touch-panel method for the evaluation of functional ability in RA. Methods 300 RA patients visiting Osaka-Minami medical center were asked their opinion about their experience filling in the HAQ, their willingness for future registration on the touch-panel, and their opinion on usefulness of the HAQ in the survey questionnaire. Results The average age was 62.7 years (range 18-85) and 79% were female. The mean time patients needed to fill in their HAQ was 0.8 minutes (range 0.1-19.2). Inputting with touch-panel method was not time-consuming since it is easy to input and includes only a small number of actions. Result of survey questionnaires are presented in table 1. 96% of patients could fill out on the touch panel easily, and did not feel necessity of assistance at the next visit. 98.7% of patients were willing to fill in the HAQ at the next visit. All patients except one (99.7%) felt discussing problems in daily functioning is important, however it is not always discussed with the doctors (45.7%). 10.3% of patients felt HAQ did not give accurate representation of functional abilities. Conclusions This touch-panel method is very useful and feasible for assessing both the functional status quality of life and disease activity with rheumatoid arthritis. It might contribute to shortening the time of medical examination. In addition, MIRAI would be promising system for supporting the electronic health record. Furthermore, this system would develop the network efficiency among hospitals and consequently our clinical research collaboration as well. Disclosure of Interest None Declared