Study: Combined Fatigue Intervention (COMFI) for Inflammatory Arthritis
A feasibility study of COMFI, which combines tailored physical activity and cognitive behavioral approaches, was presented by Astrid Damgaard at the 2026 EULAR Congress in London.
The study involved 29 people with inflammatory arthritis in Denmark and Sweden. Results showed acceptable recruitment, variable adherence, and satisfactory delivery fidelity. At 6-month follow-up, fatigue measurements indicated a tendency toward reduced fatigue, with changes meeting minimal clinically important differences in fatigue severity, impact, and coping.
The authors concluded that the approach is feasible and warrants further investigation in a larger randomized controlled trial.
Key finding: Fatigue measurements indicated a tendency toward reduced fatigue, with changes meeting minimal clinically important differences in fatigue severity, impact, and coping.
Study: Cost-Effectiveness of Digital Patient Education for Rheumatoid Arthritis
A trial evaluated the 12-month cost-effectiveness of digital patient education versus standard face-to-face education for 175 patients with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis.
Findings showed that the digital approach had lower mean healthcare costs and slightly greater QALY gains, dominating in both adjusted and unadjusted models. Hospital care was the main driver of cost differences. Bootstrap analyses indicated improved outcomes at lower costs. Secondary outcomes showed small and inconsistent effects on self-efficacy.
Researcher Line Raunsbæk Knudsen stated that while confirmation in broader populations is needed, the findings suggest structured digital patient education may be integrated into routine care to support efficient resource use without compromising quality.
Key finding: The digital approach had lower mean healthcare costs and slightly greater QALY gains, dominating in both adjusted and unadjusted models.
Study: Caregiver Experiences in Rheumatic Diseases
A qualitative phenomenological study in Italy explored the lived experiences of 25 family members and primary informal caregivers of people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMD). Most participants were spouses or cohabiting partners.
Results indicated that illness onset was a major turning point, with emotional distress, helplessness, and guilt. 26.7% reported major life changes or sacrifices, and 52% reported predominantly negative emotions (sadness, anxiety, fatigue, emotional overload), which limited their ability to plan for the future.
The authors highlighted the need for systematic recognition of caregivers within rheumatology care pathways and for tailored psychosocial and educational interventions.
Key finding: 52% of caregivers reported predominantly negative emotions, including sadness, anxiety, fatigue, and emotional overload, limiting their ability to plan for the future.
Study: Improving Access to Care for Axial Spondyloarthritis
Preliminary results from the FASTRAX study in Canada were presented. This interdisciplinary model aims to reduce diagnostic delays in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) by using trained extended scope providers and rheumatology fellows to screen patients with chronic low back pain.
As of the report, 179 patients completed screening across three sites, with a median wait time of 28 days. 22.9% were diagnosed with axSpA, and mean time to diagnosis was 12.1 years. The number needed to screen to identify one axSpA case was five, compared to the historical estimate of 20 in the general chronic back pain population.
Lead author Laura Passalent stated that the model delivers quick access to care and that time to diagnosis is expected to decrease as awareness among referring physicians grows.
Key finding: The number needed to screen to identify one axSpA case was five, compared to the historical estimate of 20 in the general chronic back pain population.