Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis at Hospital Clínic

The Rheumatology Service at Hospital Clínic coordinates the care, teaching, and research into the various types of chronic arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis. 

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are treated by specialised medical personnel from the Rheumatology Service, although on many occasions the collaboration of other services or primary care professionals is required. Currently more than 600 patients are being treated by this Service.   

The follow-up for rheumatoid arthritis is mainly carried out on an outpatient basis and in collaboration with the nursing staff. Patients are closely monitored through regular check-ups (visits every 1-6 months) depending on the status of their disease. Telematic visits have also been implemented, on the phone or through video calls, making it unnecessary to visit the hospital. There are single-issue consultations for recent onset rheumatoid arthritis and refractory arthritis.   

Hospital Clínic offers all the medicines marketed for rheumatoid arthritis and these are used in the various treatments, according to the recommendations of national and international societies. For those patients who need endovenous therapy, there is an outpatient clinic. Nurses play an important role in educating patients, recommending healthy habits and discussing adherence to treatment and follow-up.