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Safikhani M, Rezaieyazdi Z, Khodashahi M. Evaluation of assessable telemedicine in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review. Int J Rheum Dis 2024; 27:e15007. [PMID: 38287561 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.15007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Nowadays, the use of telemedicine diagnosis and treatment of various diseases has been considered by physicians, especially in such diseases as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), where patients have more weakness and inability to move. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the extent of measurable and nonmeasurable factors in patients with RA and their satisfaction with this method of care. METHODS The articles published by March 3, 2022, were searched in four databases, including Web of Sciences, Medline, PubMed, and Scopus. This research was conducted using the seven steps of the Cochrane Handbook as a guide. The searched keywords included telemedicine, tele-rheumatoid, rheumatoid arthritis, and immune diseases. RESULTS A total of 18 articles were included in the present study. In most of these studies, physicians and patients were satisfied with this approach. Nonetheless, there was a dearth of studies on the measurement of evaluable and nonevaluable factors. CONCLUSION Studies on the benefits of telemedicine for rheumatology are still limited. The effectiveness of this new healthcare approach in diagnosing and evaluating disease activity is still unclear. Some studies demonstrated patient and physician satisfaction with this treatment. In some cases, there is a tendency to show a high risk of bias. In addition, it is unclear to what extent the use of rheumatology traps affects the establishment of medical relationships. It is recommended that more clinical trials be conducted to examine this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morteza Safikhani
- Rheumatic Diseases Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Zahra Rezaieyazdi
- Rheumatic Diseases Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mandana Khodashahi
- Rheumatic Diseases Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Adams L, Lester S, Hoon E, van der Haak H, Proudman C, Hall C, Whittle S, Proudman S, Hill CL. Patient satisfaction and acceptability with telehealth at specialist medical outpatient clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. Intern Med J 2021; 51:1028-1037. [PMID: 34213046 PMCID: PMC8444675 DOI: 10.1111/imj.15205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Outpatient clinics were shifted rapidly to telehealth in Australia during the Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID‐19) pandemic, drastically altering patient care and experience. Aims To investigate patient satisfaction and acceptability of telehealth consultations during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Methods Prospective observation study conducted in two hospital rheumatology outpatient departments (OPD) undertaking telehealth consultations during COVID‐19. A modified version of a validated telehealth evaluation survey was posted to all patients attending the telehealth OPD rheumatology clinics, including balanced 5‐point Likert scales and free‐text responses. Cluster analysis was applied to the Likert‐scale questions, alongside thematic analysis of free‐text responses. Results There were 128 respondents (29% response rate), of which 69.5% were women and the majority (87.5%) was aged 50 years or older. All telehealth consultations were conducted by telephone. Nearly one‐fifth of patients indicated consistent dissatisfaction with telehealth across the range of questions. These patients were older, reported lower educational qualifications and lower health literacy scores and lacked access to the Internet. While many patients found this mode of consultation to be convenient, patients expressed concerns regarding absence of physical examination. A recurrent theme was a desire for a mixed‐model clinic in the future, with flexibility of having both telehealth and face‐to‐face consultations. Conclusions This study offers unique insights into patients' experiences with telehealth, which until the current global pandemic, has been an uncommon mode of consultation delivery in urban areas. This study suggests when defining the place of telehealth in future healthcare delivery, patient perspective and careful patient selection will be key. Disease progression, language and cognitive ability, health literacy, technology access and patient and clinician preference are important considerations when deciding how effectively to embed and integrate telehealth into consultations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucinda Adams
- Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Susan Lester
- Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Rheumatology Unit, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Hoon
- Discipline of General Practice, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Heather van der Haak
- Rheumatology Unit, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Charlotte Proudman
- Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Rheumatology Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Cindy Hall
- Discipline of General Practice, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Samuel Whittle
- Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Rheumatology Unit, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Susanna Proudman
- Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Rheumatology Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Catherine L Hill
- Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Rheumatology Unit, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Rheumatology Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has presented unique challenges to rheumatology provision. Measures to control the pandemic have limited face-to-face contact with rheumatology healthcare professionals. One innovation has been the widespread adoption of telerheumatology to assist in the care of patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, building on an existing evidence base in rheumatology. Widespread adoption has only occurred following the COVID-19 pandemic. We discuss the evidence supporting telerheumatology adoption prior to the pandemic, and outline several innovative approaches used to assist in the care of rheumatology patients that have been introduced. Alongside the advantages of these interventions, we discuss the limitations and regulatory challenges. Advances must be balanced, considering wider issues of equity of access, implementation, adoption, and sustainability of telerheumatology post-pandemic. We propose it is not ‘if’, but ‘how’ rheumatologists embrace newer telerheumatology technology, outlining practice points and future research agenda.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Bateman
- Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, Wednesfield Road, Wolverhampton, WV10 0QP, United Kingdom.
| | - Natasha Cleaton
- Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, Wednesfield Road, Wolverhampton, WV10 0QP, United Kingdom
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Sandhu VK, Jose DM, Feldman CH. Underserved Communities: Enhancing Care with Graduate Medical Education. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2020; 46:167-178. [PMID: 31757283 PMCID: PMC8486350 DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2019.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The shortage of health care professionals is projected to worsen in the coming years. This is particularly concerning in underserved areas that are fraught with disparities in disease outcomes and life expectancy, quality of life, and health care access. The onus is on medical education institutions to train students to serve vulnerable communities to improve both health care access and the quality of medical school education. When health disparities are formally included in medical education curricula and the culture of medical education shifts to a community-based learning approach, patients and health care providers alike will reap the benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaneet K Sandhu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda University Medical Center, 11234 Anderson Street, Suite 1521, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA.
| | - Donna M Jose
- Department of Internal Medicine, Loma Linda University, 11234 Anderson Street, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Candace H Feldman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 60 Fenwood Road, Office 6016P, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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McDougall JA, Ferucci ED, Glover J, Fraenkel L. Telerheumatology: A Systematic Review. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2017; 69:1546-1557. [PMID: 27863164 DOI: 10.1002/acr.23153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Revised: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify and summarize the published and gray literature on the use of telemedicine for the diagnosis and management of inflammatory and/or autoimmune rheumatic disease. METHODS We performed a registered systematic search (CRD42015025382) for studies using MEDLINE (1946 to July 2015), Embase (1974 to July 2015), Web of Science (1900 to July 2015), and Scopus (1946 to July 2015) databases. We included studies that demonstrated the use of telemedicine for diagnosis and/or management of inflammatory/autoimmune rheumatic disease. Following data extraction, we performed a descriptive analysis. RESULTS Our literature search identified 1,468 potentially eligible studies. Of these studies, 20 were ultimately included in this review. Studies varied significantly in publication type, quality of evidence, and the reporting of methods. Most demonstrated a high risk of bias. Rheumatoid arthritis was the most commonly studied rheumatic disease (42% of patients). Studies demonstrated conflicting results regarding the effectiveness of telemedicine (18 found it effective, 1 found it effective but possibly harmful, and 1 found it ineffective). A limited number of studies included some component of a cost analysis (n = 6; 16% of patients); all of these found telemedicine to be cost-effective. CONCLUSION Studies identified by this systematic review generally found telemedicine to be effective for the diagnosis and management of autoimmune/inflammatory rheumatic disease; however, there is limited evidence to support this conclusion. Further studies are needed to determine the best uses of telemedicine for the diagnosis and management of these conditions.
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Piga M, Cangemi I, Mathieu A, Cauli A. Telemedicine for patients with rheumatic diseases: Systematic review and proposal for research agenda. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2017; 47:121-128. [PMID: 28420491 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2017.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To systematically review the scientific literature regarding tele-rheumatology and draw conclusions about feasibility, effectiveness, and patient satisfaction. METHODS PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane database searches were performed (April 2016) using relevant MeSH and keyword terms for telemedicine and rheumatic diseases. Articles were selected if reporting outcomes for feasibility, effectiveness, and patient satisfaction and methodologically appraised using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias and a modified version of CONSORT 2010 Statement. RESULTS A total of 177 articles were screened, 23 were selected for the present review but only 9 were RCTs. Five studies reported on feasibility, 14 effectiveness, and 9 satisfaction rates for different tele-rheumatology interventions grouped in synchronous (remotely delivered consultation) and asynchronous (remote disease activity assessment; tele-monitoring of treatment strategies or rehabilitation; and remotely delivered self-management programs). Seven studies (30.4%) were on rheumatoid arthritis, 2 (8.7%) were on systemic sclerosis (1 including also rheumatoid arthritis patients), 5 (21.7%) on fibromyalgia, 2 (8.7%) on osteoarthritis, 3 (13.0%) on juvenile idiopathic arthritis and 4 (17.4%) on mixed disease cohorts. Interventions and outcomes heterogeneity prevented meta-analysis of results. Overall, feasibility and patient satisfaction rates were high or very high across intervention types. Effectiveness was equal or higher than standard face-to-face approach in controlled trials which, however, were affected by small sample size and lack of blinding participants according to appraisal tools. CONCLUSION Telemedicine may provide a well-accepted way to remotely deliver consultation, treatment and monitoring disease activity in rheumatology. Higher quality RCTs demonstrating effectiveness of different tele-rheumatology interventions are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Piga
- Chair of Rheumatology and Rheumatology Unit, University Clinic and AOU of Cagliari, SS 554-09 042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Ignazio Cangemi
- Chair of Rheumatology and Rheumatology Unit, University Clinic and AOU of Cagliari, SS 554-09 042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mathieu
- Chair of Rheumatology and Rheumatology Unit, University Clinic and AOU of Cagliari, SS 554-09 042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alberto Cauli
- Chair of Rheumatology and Rheumatology Unit, University Clinic and AOU of Cagliari, SS 554-09 042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
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Roberts LJ, LaMont EG, Lim I, Sabesan S, Barrett C. Author reply. Intern Med J 2013; 43:469. [DOI: 10.1111/imj.12099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2013] [Accepted: 02/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L. J. Roberts
- Department of Rheumatology; Townsville Hospital; Townsville
| | - E. G. LaMont
- School of Medicine and Dentistry; James Cook University; Townsville
| | - I. Lim
- BJC Health; Sydney; New South Wales; Australia
| | | | - C. Barrett
- Department of Rheumatology; Redcliffe Hospital; Brisbane; Queensland
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