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Inchingolo F, Inchingolo AM, Fatone MC, Avantario P, Del Vecchio G, Pezzolla C, Mancini A, Galante F, Palermo A, Inchingolo AD, Dipalma G. Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Primary Care: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:662. [PMID: 38928909 PMCID: PMC11203333 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21060662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can lead to severe joint impairment and chronic disability. Primary care (PC), provided by general practitioners (GPs), is the first level of contact for the population with the healthcare system. The aim of this scoping review was to analyze the approach to RA in the PC setting. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched using the MESH terms "rheumatoid arthritis" and "primary care" from 2013 to 2023. The search strategy followed the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The 61 articles selected were analyzed qualitatively in a table and discussed in two sections, namely criticisms and strategies for the management of RA in PC. The main critical issues in the management of RA in PC are the following: difficulty and delay in diagnosis, in accessing rheumatological care, and in using DMARDs by GPs; ineffective communication between GPs and specialists; poor patient education; lack of cardiovascular prevention; and increase in healthcare costs. To overcome these criticisms, several management strategies have been identified, namely early diagnosis of RA, quick access to rheumatology care, effective communication between GPs and specialists, active patient involvement, screening for risk factors and comorbidities, clinical audit, interdisciplinary patient management, digital health, and cost analysis. PC appears to be the ideal healthcare setting to reduce the morbidity and mortality of chronic disease, including RA, if a widespread change in GPs' approach to the disease and patients is mandatory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Inchingolo
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.M.I.); (P.A.); (G.D.V.); (C.P.); (A.M.); (A.D.I.); (G.D.)
| | - Angelo Michele Inchingolo
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.M.I.); (P.A.); (G.D.V.); (C.P.); (A.M.); (A.D.I.); (G.D.)
| | | | - Pasquale Avantario
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.M.I.); (P.A.); (G.D.V.); (C.P.); (A.M.); (A.D.I.); (G.D.)
| | - Gaetano Del Vecchio
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.M.I.); (P.A.); (G.D.V.); (C.P.); (A.M.); (A.D.I.); (G.D.)
| | - Carmela Pezzolla
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.M.I.); (P.A.); (G.D.V.); (C.P.); (A.M.); (A.D.I.); (G.D.)
| | - Antonio Mancini
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.M.I.); (P.A.); (G.D.V.); (C.P.); (A.M.); (A.D.I.); (G.D.)
| | | | - Andrea Palermo
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, Birmingham B4 6BN, UK
| | - Alessio Danilo Inchingolo
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.M.I.); (P.A.); (G.D.V.); (C.P.); (A.M.); (A.D.I.); (G.D.)
| | - Gianna Dipalma
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.M.I.); (P.A.); (G.D.V.); (C.P.); (A.M.); (A.D.I.); (G.D.)
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Knitza J, Janousek L, Kluge F, von der Decken CB, Kleinert S, Vorbrüggen W, Kleyer A, Simon D, Hueber AJ, Muehlensiepen F, Vuillerme N, Schett G, Eskofier BM, Welcker M, Bartz-Bazzanella P. Machine learning-based improvement of an online rheumatology referral and triage system. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:954056. [PMID: 35935756 PMCID: PMC9354580 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.954056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Rheport is an online rheumatology referral system allowing automatic appointment triaging of new rheumatology patient referrals according to the respective probability of an inflammatory rheumatic disease (IRD). Previous research reported that Rheport was well accepted among IRD patients. Its accuracy was, however, limited, currently being based on an expert-based weighted sum score. This study aimed to evaluate whether machine learning (ML) models could improve this limited accuracy. Materials and methods Data from a national rheumatology registry (RHADAR) was used to train and test nine different ML models to correctly classify IRD patients. Diagnostic performance was compared of ML models and the current algorithm was compared using the area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC). Feature importance was investigated using shapley additive explanation (SHAP). Results A complete data set of 2265 patients was used to train and test ML models. 30.5% of patients were diagnosed with an IRD, 69.3% were female. The diagnostic accuracy of the current Rheport algorithm (AUROC of 0.534) could be improved with all ML models, (AUROC ranging between 0.630 and 0.737). Targeting a sensitivity of 90%, the logistic regression model could double current specificity (17% vs. 33%). Finger joint pain, inflammatory marker levels, psoriasis, symptom duration and female sex were the five most important features of the best performing logistic regression model for IRD classification. Conclusion In summary, ML could improve the accuracy of a currently used rheumatology online referral system. Including further laboratory parameters and enabling individual feature importance adaption could increase accuracy and lead to broader usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Knitza
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Université Grenoble Alpes, AGEIS, Grenoble, France
- *Correspondence: Johannes Knitza,
| | - Lena Janousek
- Machine Learning and Data Analytics Lab, Department of Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering (AIBE), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Felix Kluge
- Machine Learning and Data Analytics Lab, Department of Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering (AIBE), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Cay Benedikt von der Decken
- Medizinisches Versorgungszentrum Stolberg, Stolberg, Germany
- Klinik für Internistische Rheumatologie, Rhein-Maas-Klinikum, Würselen, Germany
- RheumaDatenRhePort (rhadar), Planegg, Germany
| | - Stefan Kleinert
- RheumaDatenRhePort (rhadar), Planegg, Germany
- Praxisgemeinschaft Rheumatologie-Nephrologie, Erlangen, Germany
- Medizinische Klinik 3, Rheumatology/Immunology, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Vorbrüggen
- RheumaDatenRhePort (rhadar), Planegg, Germany
- Verein zur Förderung der Rheumatologie e.V., Würselen, Germany
| | - Arnd Kleyer
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - David Simon
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Axel J. Hueber
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Division of Rheumatology, Klinikum Nürnberg, Paracelsus Medical University, Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Felix Muehlensiepen
- Université Grenoble Alpes, AGEIS, Grenoble, France
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Center for Health Services Research, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Rüdersdorf, Germany
| | - Nicolas Vuillerme
- Université Grenoble Alpes, AGEIS, Grenoble, France
- Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
- LabCom Telecom4Health, Orange Labs and Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Inria, Grenoble INP-UGA, Grenoble, France
| | - Georg Schett
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Bjoern M. Eskofier
- Machine Learning and Data Analytics Lab, Department of Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering (AIBE), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Martin Welcker
- RheumaDatenRhePort (rhadar), Planegg, Germany
- MVZ für Rheumatologie Dr. Martin Welcker GmbH, Planegg, Germany
| | - Peter Bartz-Bazzanella
- Klinik für Internistische Rheumatologie, Rhein-Maas-Klinikum, Würselen, Germany
- RheumaDatenRhePort (rhadar), Planegg, Germany
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Orozco T, Feldman DE, Bernatsky S, Légaré J, Perreault K, Tawiah AK, Zummer M, Hudon A. Evaluating a new referral pathway from physical therapists to rheumatologists: A qualitative study. J Interprof Care 2022; 36:932-940. [DOI: 10.1080/13561820.2022.2044295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Orozco
- École de réadaptation, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Debbie Ehrmann Feldman
- School of Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy Program and School of Public Health, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Université de Montréal, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation, Institute of Public Health Research, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sasha Bernatsky
- McGill University division of Rheumatology and Clinical Epidemiology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jean Légaré
- Patient Partner Member of Pira, Chu de Québec Université Laval, Arthritis Research, Canada
| | - Kadija Perreault
- School of Rehabilitation, Université Laval; Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, QC, Canada
| | | | - Michel Zummer
- Université de Montréal and Hôpital Maisonneuve Rosemont, QC, Canada
| | - Anne Hudon
- School of Rehabilitation, Université de Montréal, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montréal (Crir), Centre de Recherche En Éthique (Cré), Montreal, QC, Canada
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Feldman DE, Zummer M, Orozco T, El-Khoury J, Desmeules F, LalibertÉ M, Perreault K, Grad R, Woodhouse L, Bernatsky S. Rheumatologists' Acceptance of Patient Referrals from Physical Therapists. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 16:101-110. [PMID: 33337317 DOI: 10.12927/hcpol.2020.26350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
We surveyed Canadian rheumatologists regarding beliefs about physical therapists' (PTs) ability to refer patients appropriately to rheumatologists and whether they would accept such referrals. Most (86.9%) believed that PTs can appropriately refer to rheumatologists. However, only 48.2% of rheumatologists would be very or extremely likely to accept a referral from a PT they knew, and 23.5% would accept a referral from a PT they did not know. Conversely, 90.5% would accept a referral from a PT if they could bill it as a full consult. We conclude that being able to bill PT referrals as full consults may potentially enhance the acceptance of PT referrals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie Ehrmann Feldman
- Professor, School of Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy Program and School of Public Health, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Montreal; Researcher, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation, Centre for Public Health Research, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC
| | - Michel Zummer
- Associate Clinical Professor, University of Montreal, Department of Rheumatology, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, Montreal, QC
| | - Tatiana Orozco
- School of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC
| | - Jonathan El-Khoury
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC
| | - FranÇois Desmeules
- Associate Professor, School of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Orthopaedic Clinical Research Unit, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Montreal, QC
| | - Maude LalibertÉ
- Assistant Clinical Professor, School of Rehabilitation, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC
| | - Kadija Perreault
- Associate Professor, Department of Rehabilitation, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration Laval University, Quebec, QC
| | - Roland Grad
- Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Herzl Family Practice Centre, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC
| | - Linda Woodhouse
- Professor and Head of School, School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia; Adjunct Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB
| | - Sasha Bernatsky
- Professor, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC
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Ren L, Song C, Xia C, Wang N, Yang Y, Yin S. Pregnancy and parenting experiences of women with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome: a qualitative study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2021; 21:595. [PMID: 34479507 PMCID: PMC8417964 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-021-04057-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Qualitative research can reflect the actual thoughts and experience of research subjects and can be used to explore the experiences of women presenting with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) to facilitate the provision of targeted psychological support. Methods A semi-structured interview method was used to assess the pregnancy and parenting experiences of women with TTTS. Colaizzi method was used for data analysis. Results Eighteen women participated in the study. We found that women with TTTS during pregnancy experienced persistent worry about their children’s health from the disease diagnosis to the subsequent parenting processes, even in case of minor changes in their children’s health. The lack of an efficient referral process and health information increased their uncertainty about their children’s health. Conclusion In addition to the children’s health, other difficulties encountered during pregnancy and parenting may aggravate the pressure. Clinicians in the first-visit hospital and foetal medicine centre should improve the referral process and establish a follow-up system to provide women with health information and psychological support. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-021-04057-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijie Ren
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 36 Sanhao Road, Heping District, Shenyang City, CO 110004, Liaoning Province, China.,Nursing Department, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 36 Sanhao Road, Heping District, Shenyang City, CO 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Cancan Song
- Nursing Department, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 36 Sanhao Road, Heping District, Shenyang City, CO 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Chunling Xia
- Nursing Department, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 36 Sanhao Road, Heping District, Shenyang City, CO 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Nan Wang
- Nursing Department, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 36 Sanhao Road, Heping District, Shenyang City, CO 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Nursing Department, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 36 Sanhao Road, Heping District, Shenyang City, CO 110004, Liaoning Province, China.
| | - Shaowei Yin
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 36 Sanhao Road, Heping District, Shenyang City, CO 110004, Liaoning Province, China.
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Østerås N, Blaker IB, Hjortland T, Cottrell E, Quicke JG, Dziedzic KS, Blackburn S, Paulsen A. Improving osteoarthritis management in primary healthcare: results from a quasi-experimental study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2021; 22:79. [PMID: 33446167 PMCID: PMC7807869 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-021-03959-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To improve quality of care for patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA), general practitioners (GPs) and physiotherapists (PTs) in a Norwegian municipality initiated an intervention. The intervention aimed to increase provision of core OA treatment (information, exercise, and weight control) prior to referral for surgery, rational use of imaging for assessing OA and improve communication between healthcare professionals. This study assessed the effectiveness of this intervention. Methods Forty-eight PTs and one hundred one GPs were invited to the intervention that included two interactive workshops outlining best practice and an accompanying template for PT discharge reports. Using interrupted time series research design, the study period was divided into three: pre-implementation, transition (implementation) and post-implementation. Comparing the change between pre- and post-implementation, the primary outcome was patient-reported quality of OA care measured with the OsteoArthritis Quality Indicator questionnaire. Secondary outcomes were number of PT discharge reports, information included in GP referral letters to orthopaedic surgeon, the proportion of GP referral letters indicating use of core treatment, and the use of imaging within OA assessment. Analyses involved linear mixed and logistic regression models. Results The PT workshop had 30 attendees, and 31 PTs and 33 GPs attended the multidisciplinary workshop. Two hundred eight and one hundred twenty-five patients completed the questionnaire during pre- and post-implementation, respectively. The adjusted model showed a small, statistically non-significant, increase in mean total score for quality of OA care (mean change = 4.96, 95% CI -0.18, 10.12, p:0.057), which was mainly related to items on OA core treatment. Patients had higher odds of reporting receipt of information on treatment alternatives (odds ratio (OR) 1.9, 95% CI 1.08, 3.24) and on self-management (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.33, 4.32) in the post-implementation phase. There was a small, statistically non-significant, increase in the proportion of GP referral letters indicating prior use of core treatment modalities. There were negligible changes in the number of PT discharge reports, in the information included in the GP referral letters, and in the use of imaging for OA assessment. Conclusion This study suggests that a primary care intervention including two inter-active workshops can shift the quality of care towards best practice recommendations. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02876120. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12891-021-03959-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Østerås
- Division of Rheumatology and Research, National Advisory Unit on Rehabilitation in Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | | | | | - Elizabeth Cottrell
- Impact Accelerator Unit, Versus Arthritis Primary Care Centre, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, UK
| | - Jonathan G Quicke
- Impact Accelerator Unit, Versus Arthritis Primary Care Centre, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, UK
| | - Krysia S Dziedzic
- Impact Accelerator Unit, Versus Arthritis Primary Care Centre, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, UK
| | - Steven Blackburn
- Impact Accelerator Unit, Versus Arthritis Primary Care Centre, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, UK
| | - Aksel Paulsen
- Department of Orthopaedics, Division of Surgery, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway.,Department of Public Health, The Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
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Zaini R, Alrehaily A, Alhazmi A, Halabi H, Mohamed H, Almoallim H. Future Directions of Rheumatology Training According to Saudi Vision 2030: Recommendations From a Saudi Experts Meeting. Open Access Rheumatol 2021; 12:347-355. [PMID: 33380845 PMCID: PMC7769142 DOI: 10.2147/oarrr.s286285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Worldwide research anticipates that a current shortage of rheumatologists will exacerbate over the next decade, whereas the need for arthritis specialists will continue to escalate. Saudi Arabia (SA) also encounters a limited geographical distribution of rheumatologists and rheumatology fellowship training centres. Objective Reporting the Saudi rheumatologists’ advisory meeting conducted in Makkah, SA in January 2020 with the aim to discuss the “Saudi Vision 2030” for rheumatology training programs. Materials and Methods A meeting of Saudi rheumatology experts and consultants was conducted to address the future directions, challenges, and recommendations of rheumatology training. The 10th Rheumatology Practice Symposium was organised by Alzaidi Chair of Research in Rheumatic Diseases (ZCRD), and conducted in Makkah Commerce Chamber, Makkah, SA on January 28, 2020. More than 30 consultants and rheumatology fellows with five Saudi experts in the field of rheumatology assembled to form 10 recommendations that tackle rheumatology training challenges in SA. Results The meeting recommendations shed light on the clinical practice of rheumatology training in SA; challenges and opportunities in rheumatology fellowship programs; efforts of the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) to design and implement a competent postgraduate rheumatology training; and challenges with trainers, trainee, and within training centres. Conclusion To address rheumatology challenges in SA, rheumatology consultants and fellows assembled to form 10 recommendations. The recommendations tackled the challenges of rheumatology fellowship programs and the efforts to implement a competent postgraduate rheumatology training. These recommendations are expected to lead us successfully to fulfil our ambition in the “Saudi Vision of 2030”.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rania Zaini
- Department of Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Alqura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Alrehaily
- Department of Medicine, Security Forces Hospital Program, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Chairman of the Scientific Committee of Adult Rheumatology Fellowship Program, Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Alhazmi
- Department of Medicine, King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital (KFAFH), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Chairman, Supervisory Committee for Saudi Board Adult Rheumatology Fellowship Program in Western Region, Saudi Commission For Health Specialties (SCFHS), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hussein Halabi
- Department of Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital And Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Heba Mohamed
- Pfizer Biopharmaceutical Group, Emerging Markets, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hani Almoallim
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Alqura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.,Alzaidi Chair of Research in Rheumatic Diseases, Umm Alqura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
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Fernández-Ávila DG, Rojas MX, Ramírez C, Rodelo L, Soriano E. Effectiveness of the use of an algorithm in the diagnostic approach of joint pain patients by primary care physicians. Rheumatol Int 2020; 40:1857-1864. [PMID: 32200425 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-020-04552-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
There is a high percentage of error in the approach of patients with joint pain by primary care physicians. An algorithm can help improve this misdiagnosis problem. Our study seeks to determine the effectiveness of an algorithm when used by primary care physicians for the diagnosis of cases of joint pain patients. A randomized clinical experiment was carried out. Primary care physicians from five cities in Colombia developed a series of clinical cases, which were presented to them through a website on their personal cell phones. Half of the doctors developed the cases using the diagnostic algorithm, and the other half developed the cases without the use of the algorithm. Main measures were proportion of correct diagnosis, number, type of laboratory and diagnostic images requested for the diagnostic approach of clinical cases. Two hundred and twenty-four primary care physicians participated. The overall proportion of cases correctly diagnosed was 37.3% higher in the intervention group; we found a greater difference in cases of spondyloarthritis (60.8%), followed by systemic lupus erythematosus with joint involvement (32.2%), rheumatoid arthritis (30.3%) and osteoarthritis (25.9%). The average number of tests requested to develop clinical cases was lower in the intervention group than in the control group, both globally and for each of the four diseases, with statistically significant differences for each of the comparisons. The diagnostic algorithm proved to be an effective tool when used by primary care physicians; the proportion of correct diagnoses increased, and the number of tests requested in the development of the cases decreased.
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Affiliation(s)
- D G Fernández-Ávila
- PhD Program in Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana-Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - M X Rojas
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - C Ramírez
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Program, Sánitas EPS, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - E Soriano
- Rheumatology Section, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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