Table 3.

Pattern of history taking in round 2: referral versus no referral

Axial spondyloarthritisPeripheral spondyloarthritis
CategoryItem checked by GP or GP-resident

Referral yes (n = 25)

Referral no (n = 36)

CategoryItem checked by GP or GP-residentReferral yes (n = 12)

Referral no (n = 47)

1Pain in lower back?22 (88)34 (94)1Duration of complaints?12 (100)45 (96)
1Night pain?19 (76)16 (44)1Morning stiffness?4 (33)12 (26)
1Morning stiffness?24 (96)26 (72)1Duration of morning stiffness?4 (33)10 (21)
1Duration of morning stiffness?17 (68)15 (42)1

Complaints worse or better over the day?

4 (33)16 (34)
1

Complaints worse or better over the day?

21 (84)23 (64)1More complaints after resting?2 (17)4 (9)
1More complaints after resting?10 (40)12 (33)1Improvement on NSAID?10 (83)27 (57)
1Improvement on NSAID?15 (60)14 (39)2Swollen joints?11 (92)40 (85)
2Swollen joints?9 (36)8 (22)2Entheseal complaints?1 (8)4 (9)
2Entheseal complaints?2 (8)3 (8)2Back pain?6 (50)4 (9)
3Uveitis?7 (28)4 (11)3Uveitis?5 (42)1 (2)
3Psoriasis?6 (24)1 (3)3Psoriasis?4 (33)2 (4)
3IBD?10 (40)4 (11)3IBD?5 (42)6 (13)
4Family history AS?12 (48)10 (28)4Family history AS?1 (8)0 (0)
4Family history psoriasis?6 (24)1 (3)4Family history psoriasis?4 (33)1 (2)
4Family history IBD?6 (24)3 (8)4Family history IBD?2 (17)4 (9)
  • The values are expressed as number (percentage) of GP (residents). AS = ankylosing spondylitis. IBD = inflammatory bowel disease. NSAID = non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Category: 1 = differentiation between a mechanical or inflammatory origin of back pain or peripheral complaint; 2 = presence of swollen joints, back pain (peripheral SpA case) or entheseal complaints; 3 = presence of extra-articular manifestations; 4 = family history.