Treating to Target in Clinical Practice: The Results of a Questionnaire Completed by Greek Rheumatologists

BACKGROUND: The Treat-To-Target (TTT) approach is an important part of clinical practice in rheumatology. Although this approach is well structured in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and data are accumulating in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and axial spondyloarthritides (AxSpA), the systematic application of this process in clinical practice can be further improved to achieve better treatment outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to present the perspective of clinical rheumatologists on how they evaluate disease activity, in what patient groups they regularly use treatment targets, and how they prioritize treatment targets in spondyloarthritides. METHODS: A questionnaire consisting of eight questions on the management of RA, PsA and AxSpA (4 focusing on the use of indexes when setting treatment targets, 2 on the frequency and the patient groups to which these are being applied, and 2 on the physician’s priorities in managing different manifestations of the SpA spectrum) was completed by private practice and hospital-based rheumatologists. RESULTS: 160 rheumatologists completed the questionnaire. The majority use the formal composite indexes in clinical practice, certain items from these indexes, and patients’ evaluation of the treatment intervention. Indexes are applied frequently in most patient groups, and the priorities of rheumatologists include both musculoskeletal manifestations, as well as the other clinical aspects of the SpA spectrum. CONCLUSION: The results can contribute to the understanding of the adherence of rheumatologists to this TTT strategy.