Join the TaILOR Study

What is the TaILOR Study?

A group of researchers from the University of Oxford are looking at the cost-effectiveness of Patient-Initiated Follow Up, or PIFU as it is more commonly known, for people with inflammatory arthritis.

PIFU is a different way of organising appointments. It’s designed to give you choice over how and when you see your rheumatology team. With PIFU, rheumatology patients can ask for appointments when they need them, instead of them only being at set intervals.

Over a four-year period, the study team will monitor quality of life and how NHS services are used by all patients switched to a PIFU appointments using information recorded routinely by hospitals and GPs across the UK from the 30+ study sites. 438 patients with stable inflammatory arthritis will be recruited to a specific PIFU trial. They will be randomly allocated to receive PIFU and an appointment in 2 years or standard care (appointments every 6-12 months). The study team will measure their quality of life, disease activity and satisfaction with services over the following 2 years.

The study team will also conduct detailed interviews with patients and clinicians to understand their experience of PIFU and use this information to help clinicians advise future patients about future care.

How is NASS involved?

NASS is pleased to be partnering with the University of Oxford and other patient groups to advise on the study and help with recruitment. Clare Clark is representing NASS.

How can I join?

You can join the TaILOR study if the hospital where you have your rheumatology appointments has signed up to the study.

You can find out if your hospital has signed up here.

For more information on the study visit the TaILOR website or contact the researchers on tailor@ndorms.ox.ac.uk.