About
This tool, also known as the “Whiskin Weigh-In Tool”, was developed by clinical pharmacist Carolyn Whiskin, an expert in rheumatology. Its purpose is to allow patients to understand the risks of not treating their inflammatory arthritis* versus the risk of taking advanced therapies** to treat their condition. It is important to understand that all treatments approved by Health Canada must demonstrate that the health benefits outweigh any risks. Healthcare professionals understand this, and consider all aspects of safety and effectiveness, when choosing treatments that are individualized for each patient. Even with this knowledge, patients need to have confidence that a treatment makes sense for them.
While using this tool, patients will have the opportunity to generate a list of personal goals that they want to achieve from treatment, along with selecting any concerns regarding treatment. When selecting a topic that is a concern, a response will be provided that informs patients about the actual risk of treatment vs. no treatment. References are provided for each section. Patients can also rate their level of concern after reading the information. Both our goals and concerns are important information to be shared with the healthcare team.
*While using this tool, the term Inflammatory Arthritis will encompass Ankylosing Spondylitis, Axial Spondyloarthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
**The term “advanced therapies” applies to medications commonly used after trying conventional synthetic disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as: methotrexate, leflunomide, sulfasalazine and hydroxychloroquine. Advanced therapies include protein-based treatments referred to as biologics, in addition to oral medications referred to as targeted synthetic medications (e.g., JAK inhibitors). Both are more targeted in the way they reduce inflammation and are more expensive than conventional medications.
Information provided in this tool is to provide general guidance. It does not replace the individual advice provided by your healthcare team.
Meet the Author:
Carolyn Whiskin is a clinical pharmacist specializing in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. She has worked in the field of rheumatology in both hospital and community settings and is the current director of pharmacy at Charlton Health. Carolyn provides continuing education programs to healthcare professionals and the public and has been a guest on radio and television. She has won several awards for her commitment to patient care, including the National Commitment to Care Award.