Points to consider for patient education provided by nurses on methotrexate use. A European consensus initiative

Background: Methotrexate (MTX) is the anchor and most prescribed disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) for inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs). MTX can be very efficacious but can also have serious, life-threatening side effects. Adequate education and follow-up of patients/carers are therefore essential, and dedicated rheumatology nurse consultations are an important part of this. However, many patients across European countries lack access to nurse consultations, and there are no agreed-upon, defined standards of care for this topic. Objectives: To develop points to consider (PtC), based on the best available evidence and experts’ opinion, on the nursing education of patients (or carers) with IRDs taking MTX. Methods: A task force of adult and pediatric nurses (n=19) from 16 European countries, one rheumatologist, one pharmacist, and three patient-representatives, was established by the Portuguese Association of Health Professionals in Rheumatology. The group convened virtually to discuss the protocol for developing the PtC, including the research questions for a scoping review and for a European survey to collect patients’/careers’, nurses’ and rheumatologists’ experiences and perceptions about MTX education. The results from these studies informed the development of the PtC statements, which were discussed and voted on in two virtual meetings and one online questionnaire. EULAR Standard Operating Procedures for the development of recommendations/PtC were followed. Results: The consensus resulted in three overarching principles and six PtC. All PtC were based on available scientific evidence, and all obtained high levels of agreement (>8/10). These PtC emphasize the need for continuous, tailored education by trained nurses, the availability of diverse educational methods, and the support for self-management and adherence strategies. Conclusion: A set of PtC has been developed to improve the quality of care provided to patients with IRDs and their carers regarding the education and support nurses should provide on MTX use. The ultimate goal is to optimize MTX intake, improve efficacy, reduce side effects and ensure adherence to treatment. A plan is underway for the European implementation of these PtC, recognizing the crucial relevance of multi-professional rheumatology teamwork.