How to reduce the waiting time for the first consultation with the rheumatologist as a first step for a timely treatment

Valenzuela, Omar; Ibáñez, Sebastián

doi:10.1136/annrheumdis-2018-213793

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 6 publications

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“…Although the waiting time ranged widely from 0 to 300 days, the average was still shorter than the one observed in other regions of the world, which is typically over two months [20][21][22][23]. This potential e ciency in rheumatology care might be related to multiple factors, including the high prevalence of private practices (47.2%), availability of the rheumatologist over the phone (90.2% accept to use their personal phones for a medical consultation, which might decrease the need for some patients to go to the clinic), late retirement age with even no limit in some countries, and self-referral of patients to rheumatology (most countries do not have a mandatory transit through a primary care physician).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 73%

The ArLAR Rheumatology Workforce: Current Status, Challenges, Opportunities, and Future Needs

Ziadé

Hmamouchi

Haouichat

et al. 2023

Preprint

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Objective The Arab League of Associations for Rheumatology (ArLAR) Research Group (ARCH) conducted this study to investigate the number of current practicing rheumatologists in the Arab countries, to estimate the number of rheumatologists in 10 years, and to evaluate the current workload, practice profile, consultation waiting time and geographical mobilities of these rheumatologists. Methods This cross-sectional survey study was conducted in 16 Arab countries in two parts. The first survey was addressed to national societies to estimate the current and projected workforce. The second was an anonymous e-survey elaborated by the study steering committee on the Google Forms platform and distributed to Arab rheumatologists using social media, WhatsApp, and mass e-mails to evaluate their practice. Results The mean number of rheumatologists in Arab countries was 0.84 per 100,000 inhabitants (mean age 47.5 years, 55% females), ranging from 0.06 in Sudan to 1.86 in Tunisia. The number of rheumatologists is expected to increase by 50% in 2032. Nevertheless, a 20% increase in population associated with an increase in demand is also expected. Data from 446 rheumatologists (mean age 43.9 years, 60.5% females) revealed that 72% worked full-time, and 53% were employed in the public sector only. The average waiting time for a rheumatology consultation was 19.9 days. Of 394 rheumatologists, 19% obtained their rheumatology diplomas from non-Arab countries, and 47% of Gulf rheumatologists were non-citizen physicians. Conclusion Considering local demographic disparities, healthcare system differences, and geographical mobilities, national authorities are advised to implement effective intervention plans to optimize the rheumatology workforce.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 73%