Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be an overwhelming diagnosis, but managing it shouldn’t be. This past March, the Infusion Access Foundation (IAF), in partnership with the National Infusion Center Association (NICA), hosted a webinar to help patients living with RA better understand and take charge of their treatment.
The conversation explored how infusion nurses can be central in helping patients like you get the most out of every visit, especially when a treat-to-target strategy guides care. As a follow-up to that conversation, IAF developed a patient education guide to help individuals receiving RA infusions understand how to use this approach to improve their outcomes and advocate for themselves more effectively.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or years into your RA journey, this article breaks down the most essential takeaways from the webinar and the guide so you can walk into your next infusion appointment feeling more informed and in control.
Infusion Therapy and the Role It Plays in RA Management
For many people with RA, infusion therapy is a key part of disease management. These treatments are usually given at a clinic every few weeks or months. They can help reduce swelling, protect your joints from getting worse, and help you feel better day to day.
What’s less often discussed is that infusion appointments are more than just a place to receive medication—they’re also a valuable opportunity to check in on how you’re feeling, what’s working, and what might need to change. Infusion nurses see patients regularly and often develop strong, trusted relationships. That makes these visits natural for you to talk about symptoms, track progress, and advocate for adjustments to your care if needed.
What Is Treat-to-Target?
The treat-to-target (T2T) approach to RA management is based on one simple but powerful idea: setting a specific goal (like remission or low disease activity), and working toward it systematically.
This strategy relies on regular symptom checks to determine how well your joints work. If the treatment isn’t working well enough, adjustments are made rather than waiting for a flare-up or setback. It’s a proactive approach, and studies show it leads to better long-term outcomes for people with RA.
Why Infusion Visits Are a Great Time to Use the T2T Approach
Treat-to-target works best when everyone on your care team, including infusion nurses, is involved. Because you see them regularly, infusion nurses are uniquely positioned to help track how your symptoms change over time.
Here’s how infusion visits can support the T2T strategy:
- Checking in on symptoms: If you’ve experienced changes in joint pain, fatigue, or mobility, sharing that during your infusion can help identify whether treatment is working.
- Using tools like Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3 (RAPID3): Some infusion centers may have you complete a short survey called RAPID3 to measure disease activity. This helps your care team spot trends early.
- Reporting side effects: Infusion nurses can help document and communicate side effects to your rheumatologist.
- Identifying when a conversation with your doctor is needed: If things aren’t improving or have changed, your nurse can help flag that for your provider.
What You Can Do: Be Your Own Advocate
You don’t need to wait for your doctor to use the treat-to-target approach. There are things you can start doing right now to take a more active role in your RA care:
- Ask about your treatment goal. Whether it’s remission or low disease activity, understanding your personal goal helps you track progress.
- Track your symptoms. Consider using RAPID3 or another symptom tracker to note how you do between appointments. If your infusion center doesn’t offer this, you can still bring your notes.
- Be honest about how you’re feeling. Even small changes in symptoms or energy levels matter.
- Speak up if treatment isn’t working. You deserve a plan that fits your body and your life. If your current regimen isn’t helping, talk to your provider about next steps.
Use the Patient Guide to Support Your Next Steps
To help you take the next step, IAF developed a simple, patient-friendly guide to managing RA with the treat-to-target strategy. It includes:
- An overview of RA and how it affects the body.
- A breakdown of how treat-to-target works and why it improves outcomes.
- A sample RAPID3 form and instructions for using it to track your symptoms.
- Tips to ask questions during infusion visits to feel more in control of your care.
You can bring the guide to your next appointment or review it beforehand to feel more confident about speaking up and setting goals.
Final Thoughts: Your Infusion Is More Than a Medication Visit
Every RA infusion is a chance to do more than receive treatment—it’s an opportunity to reflect on your progress, ask questions, and ensure your care is on the right track. Infusion nurses are there to help you do just that.
Your voice is critical to your care team, whether you feel great or face new challenges. Treat-to-target is not about accepting “good enough”—it’s about aiming for the best possible outcome for you.
