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Implementation of rapid access clinic linked with better access to rheumatology assessment
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Utilization of a rapid access clinic was associated with high diagnostic accuracy and substantial improvement of access to rheumatology assessments, according to results.
Researchers assessed 335 patients (63.3% women) at presentation and followed up with them for 6 months after utilization of a rapid access clinic program. Researchers analyzed data regarding demographics, diagnostic accuracy and clinical variables, such as pain levels, and rheumatology care.
Rudolf Puchner
Overall, 38% of patients had a symptom duration of less than 3 months. Of these patients, 43% were patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to results. Researchers confirmed a suspected diagnosis in 88% of 325 patients available for reassessment after 6 months. Of the 88% of patients, results showed confirmation rates of 93% for RA and 84% for spondyloarthritis. Results showed patients with RA had a significantly decreased VAS for pain from a median of 70 points to 27.5 points, while patients with spondyloarthritis had a decrease from 65 points to 30 points.
“Our system of rapid access consultation (RAC) within a network of office-based rheumatologists showed a substantial improvement of access to rheumatology assessment,” study coauthor Rudolf Puchner, MD, MSc, MBA, of Wels, Austria, told Healio.com/Rheumatology. “Forty-three percent of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) presented within 3 months. Before implementation of the RAC, only 16.6% of RA patients were seen with a symptom duration of up to 3 months. Our initiative demonstrates the feasibility of a rapid access service and indicates high diagnostic accuracy in a decentralized setting.” – by Casey Tingle
Disclosure: Puchner reports no relevant financial disclosures.
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