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

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-qual

SUBMITTER: Boy K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10914903 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature