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Quality Certification Standard Proposal “SpACE” for Axial Spondyloarthritis Treatment Units

Abstract:

Background and objective: Axial spondyloarthritis is an immune-mediated disease with a high cost, diagnostic delay and associated complications that makes it a particularly important condition. This work aims to establish a certification standard (SpACE Project) for monographic consultations in its diagnosis and treatment. Materials and methods: Qualitative study of consensus, through the technique of the nominal group. First, a pragmatic review of the literature was carried out. Second, professionals involved throughout the care process (rheumatology, ophthalmology, gastroenterology, traumatology, family medicine, physical therapy, and nursing) were included. Results: Thirty-seven possible standards were extracted from the pragmatic review of the literature. During the consensus phase only those standards with high feasibility and importance in the care process were prioritized. Finally, the group of 26 experts agreed on the inclusion of 14 standards. Discussion and conclusions: SpaCE is a consensus-based certification standard that seeks to improve health outcomes and more integrated care.