287 adult RA outpatients with low disease activity and moderate physical disability from two Danish rheumatology clinics were randomized for follow-up care. 1: planned rheumatologist's consultations, 2: a shared care model without planned consultations, 3: planned nursing consultations. The participants鈥?SE were assessed by the Danish versions of the Rheumatoid Arthritis Self-Efficacy questionnaire (RASE) and the Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale (ASES). Data were collected at baseline, 3 months and one-year follow up and were explored in random intercept models.
Following an educational programme the nursing group increased or stabilized their SE during the first year compared to the medical and the shared care group. SE in the shared care group did not differ significantly from the medical group. No difference between the groups was seen in disease activity at any time.
Nursing consultations provide opportunities for maintenance of the patients鈥?SE after patient education.
Implementation of nursing consultations as part of follow-up care in patients with stable RA is recommended.