TaILOR Trial of patient-initiated care leading to improved outcomes in rheumatology

A new trial will test whether letting patients with stable inflammatory arthritis decide when to see their rheumatologist works as well as—or better than—scheduled check-ups every six to twelve months. This matters because the NHS currently sees millions of routine follow-up appointments for people with long-term conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Many of these patients are stable, yet they still attend regular clinics that could be freed up for those who are unwell or newly diagnosed. The TaILOR study directly asks whether patient-initiated follow-up (PIFU)—where patients book appointments only when they need them, plus a single check-in at two years—can maintain disease control and quality of life while reducing unnecessary visits. If PIFU proves non-inferior, the NHS could shift thousands of stable arthritis patients to this model. That would cut clinic waiting times, let rheumatologists focus on complex cases, and give patients more control over their care. The trial also includes a separate analysis of routine NHS data from all UK patients switched to PIFU outside the study, providing real-world evidence on how the approach affects hospital use and quality of life nationally. Results will be shared with patient groups and clinical bodies to guide future care pathways.