2019 EULAR recommendations for the generic core competences of health professionals in rheumatology

Edelaar, L; Nikiphorou, E; Fragoulis, G; Iagnocco, A; Haines, C; Bakkers, M; Barbasa, L; Cikes, N; Ndosi, M; Primdahl, J; Prior, Y; Pchelnikova, P; Ritschl, V; Schäfer, VS; Smucrova, H; Storrønning, I; Testa, M; Wiek, D; Vliet Vlieland, TPM

Abstract

Background/objectives. To maintain and optimize the quality of care provided by health
professionals in rheumatology (HPRs), adequate educational offerings are needed. This task force (TF) aimed to develop evidence-based recommendations for the generic core competences of health
professionals in rheumatology, with specific reference to nurses, physical therapists (PTs) and
occupational therapists (OTs) to serve as a basis for their postgraduate education.

Methods. The EULAR standardised operating procedures for the development of recommendations
were followed. A TF including rheumatologists, nurses, PTs, OTs, patient-representatives, an
educationalist, methodologists and researchers from 12 countries met twice. In the first TF meeting,
13 research questions were defined to support a systematic literature review (SLR). In the second
meeting, the SLR evidence was discussed and recommendations formulated. Subsequently, level of
evidence and strength of recommendation were assigned and level of agreement (LoA) determined
(0-10 rating scale).

Results. Three overarching principles were identified and 10 recommendations were developed for
the generic core competences of HPRs. The SLR included 79 full-text papers, 20 of which addressed
the competences, knowledge, skills, attitudes and/or educational needs of HPRs from multiple
professions. The average LoA for each recommendation ranged from 9.42 to 9.79. Consensus was
reached both on an educat
ion and research agenda.

Conclusion. Evidence and expert opinion informed a set of recommendations providing guidance on
the generic core competences of HPRs. Implementation of these recommendations in the
postgraduate education of HPRs at the international and national level is advised, considering
variation in health care systems and professional roles.

Keywords: competences; educational needs; recommendations; health professionals; rheumatology

Citation

Edelaar, L., Nikiphorou, E., Fragoulis, G., Iagnocco, A., Haines, C., Bakkers, M., …Vliet Vlieland, T. (2020). 2019 EULAR recommendations for the generic core competences of health professionals in rheumatology. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 79(1), 53-60. https://doi.org/10.1136/annrheumdis-2019-215803

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 26, 2019
• Online Publication Date: Aug 9, 2019
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2020
• Deposit Date: Aug 13, 2019
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 13, 2019
• Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (ARD)
• Print ISSN: 0003-4967
• Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
• Volume: 79
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 53-60
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/annrheumdis-2019-215803
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/annrheumdis-2019-215803
• Related Public URLs: https://ard.bmj.com/
• Additional Information: Projects : Development of EULAR Recommendations/Points to Consider for the generic core competencies of Health Professionals in rheumatology