RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Update on the diagnosis and management of early rheumatoid arthritis JF Clinical Medicine JO Clin Med FD Royal College of Physicians SP 561 OP 564 DO 10.7861/clinmed.2020-0727 VO 20 IS 6 A1 Peter C Taylor YR 2020 UL http://www.rcpjournals.org/content/20/6/561.abstract AB The clinical spectrum of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) presentation is heterogeneous, with wide variation in age of onset, degree of joint involvement and severity. Delayed rheumatological referral is associated with less favourable long-term outcomes. Multidisciplinary teamwork is key to the success of a holistic approach to patient care and addressing issues that are important to the person. Pharmacological treatment of early RA aims to optimally suppress the inflammatory component of the disease with an ideal treatment target of remission. The overarching aim of management of early RA is to achieve a quality of life that permits the individual to pursue normal work, domestic and social activity.