Rheumatology outpatient nurse clinics: A valuable addition?

Objectives. "Transmural rheumatology nurse clinics," where nursing care is provided under the joint responsibility of a home care organization and a h ospital, were recently introduced into Dutch health care. This article give s insight into outcomes of the transmural rheumatology nurse clinics. Methods. Patients with rheumatologic conditions who attended a transmural n urse clinic, in addition to receiving regular care, were compared with pati ents with rheumatologic conditions who received regular care only. The main outcome measures were the need for rheumatology-related information, the u se of aids and adaptations, the use of health care services, and daily func tioning. Results. Attending a transmural nurse clinic does not influence patients' n eed for information, the application of practical aids and adaptations, or daily functioning. However, attending a transmural nurse clinic does result in more contacts with rheumatologists and occupational therapists. Conclusions. Attending transmural nurse clinics does not result in major di fferences in outcomes compared with regular care. Further studies are neede d to appreciate the long-term effects of transmural nurse clinics.