Early intervention in the most common systemic, inflammatory rheumatic diseases

Abstract:

Estimated prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis (as a group of diseases) in Croatia is about 1%. Polymyalgia rheumatica is the most common inflammatory rheumatic disease in adults over 50 years and a giant cell arteritis is the most frequent vasculitis. Early intervention – properly made diagnosis and early aggressive treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica or a giant cell arteritis is directly related to improved clinical outcomes. Rapid access to rheumatology care has become increasingly important and collaboration with family medicine practitioners is necessary. To reduce a waiting time for the first consultation with a rheumatologist at UH Dubrava, we started an educational pilot-program „Co-operation between family medicine practitioners and rheumatologists“. The objectives were to increase a knowledge and awareness on the importance of early and appropriate treatment and to improve a timely referral of patients to the rheumatologist. Web application was developed, and GPs who attended the pilot-program were granted an access to the web application in order to properly triage the patients and make the first appointments at the rheumatologist’s office for eligible patient (fast access to rheumatologist).

Key words:
early intervention; giant cell arteritis; rapid access; rheumatoid arthritis; spondyloarthritis; polymyalgia rheumatica