Pre-assessment of patients with suspected axial spondyloarthritis combining student-led clinics and telemedicine: a qualitative study

Boy K, von Rohr-Wahlen-Jürgaß S, May S, Kuhn S, Schett G, Labinsky H, Knitza J, Muehlensiepen F (2024)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2024

Journal

DOI: 10.1007/s00296-023-05522-z

Abstract

Objective: Patients referred to rheumatologists are currently facing months of inefficient waiting time due to the increasing demand and rising workforce shortage. We piloted a pre-assessment of patients with suspected axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) combining student-led clinics and telemedicine (symptom assessment, symptom monitoring and at-home capillary self-sampling) to improve access to rheumatology care. The aim of this study was to explore (1) current challenges accessing axSpA care and (2) patients’ first-hand experiences. Methods: Embedded within a clinical trial, this study was based on qualitative interviews with patients with suspected axSpA (n = 20). Data was analysed via qualitative content analysis. Results: Student-led clinics were perceived as high-quality care, comparable to conventional rheumatologist-led visits. Patients expressed that their interactions with the students instilled a sense of trust. History-taking and examinations were perceived as comprehensive and meticulous. Telehealth tools were seen as empowering, offering immediate and continuous access to symptom assessment at home. Patients reported a lack of specificity of the electronic questionnaires, impeding accurate responses. Patients requested a comments area to supplement questionnaire responses. Some patients reported receiving help to complete the blood collection. Conclusion: Patients’ access to rheumatology care is becoming increasingly burdensome. Pre-assessment including student-led clinics and telemedicine was highly accepted by patients. Patient interviews provided valuable in-depth feedback to improve the piloted patient pathway.

Authors with CRIS profile

Involved external institutions

Medizinische Hochschule Brandenburg "Theodor Fontane" / Brandenburg Medical School "Theodor Fontane" Germany (DE) Universitätsklinikum Gießen und Marburg (UKGM) Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Boy, K., von Rohr-Wahlen-Jürgaß, S., May, S., Kuhn, S., Schett, G., Labinsky, H.,... Muehlensiepen, F. (2024). Pre-assessment of patients with suspected axial spondyloarthritis combining student-led clinics and telemedicine: a qualitative study. Rheumatology International. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00296-023-05522-z

MLA:

Boy, Katharina, et al. "Pre-assessment of patients with suspected axial spondyloarthritis combining student-led clinics and telemedicine: a qualitative study." Rheumatology International (2024).

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