Thesis (M.A.)--York University, 2005. Graduate Programme in Psychology. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 74-84). Also available on the Internet. MODE OF ACCESS via web browser by entering the following URL: http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?url%5Fver=Z39.88-2004&res%5Fdat=xri:pqdiss &rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation&rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:MR11846

Thesis (doctoral)--Universität, Witten/Herdecke. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 133-139).

Thesis (M. Nursing)--Montana State University--Bozeman, 2007. / Typescript. Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Charlene Winters. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 54-58).

Proefschrift Maastricht. / Lit. opg. - Met een samenvatting in het Nederlands.

Thesis (M.S.)--Boston University

Thesis (M.S.)--Boston University

Boston University. University Professors Program Senior theses. / PLEASE NOTE: Boston University Libraries did not receive an Authorization To Manage form for this thesis. It is therefore not openly accessible, though it may be available by request. If you are the author or principal advisor of this work and would like to request open access for it, please contact us at open-help@bu.edu. Thank you. / 2031-01-02

Thesis (M.S.)--Boston University

Thesis (M.S.)--Boston University

Background: ANCA Associated Vasculitis (AAV) is a relatively rare autoimmune condition with the potential to cause life-threatening organ inflammation and failure. Due to the relative rarity, and the heterogenous way in which the disease may present, delay to diagnosis is common. Although initial immunosuppressive treatment is usually effective at controlling disease, morbidity associated with treatment is high and disease relapses frequent, necessitating further immunosuppression exposure. Aims and Objectives: This body of work therefore seeks to address 2 of the main challenges faced by the AAV population; 1) identifying factors that may contribute to a delay to diagnosis and disease recognition 2) reducing morbidity associated with the disease and the treatment. Methods: Patient pathways, knowledge and uptake of protective therapy were explored through a national patient report study. Patient care guidelines to assist with morbidity prevention were informed through Delphi consensus methodology and comprehensive literature review. The development of software to support implementation of a rigorous systematic approach to the assessment of the vasculitis patients was achieved through collaboration with information technology, business development and system architecture and design experts. Results: Patient presentation including symptoms, initial mis-diagnosis and eventual diagnosis appear to influence time to diagnosis. There is substantial delay from symptom onset to diagnosis demonstrating the need for increased awareness and education. Equally patient awareness of treatment related morbidity is low with variable uptake of protective therapy. A Delphi study has produced consensus on which guidelines can be based to address some of these inadequacies. A software programme: "Vasculitis Care Optimisation Tool (VasCOT)", has been designed to support implementation of these guidelines. Discussion: The various approaches used in this body of work have so far allowed evaluation of areas where patient care needs to be improved. This in part will be addressed through the publication of national vasculitis care guidelines, informed by this work and the ongoing development of VasCOT.