Diagnostic delay stages and pre-diagnostic treatment in patients with suspected rheumatic diseases before special care consultation: results of a multicenter-based study.

ABSTRACT: Early and effective discrimination (triage) of patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRD) and other diseases (non-IRD) is essential for successful treatment and preventing damage. The aim of this study was to investigate diagnostic delays and pre-diagnosis treatment in patients newly presenting to rheumatology outpatient clinics. A total of 600 patients newly presenting to one university hospital and two non-academic centers were included. Time from onset of symptoms to rheumatology consultation "total delay" as well as medical treatment before consultation were recorded. Median time from symptom onset to rheumatologist appointment (total delay) was 30 weeks. Median time to online search, first physician appointment request and first physician appointment was 2, 4 and 5 weeks, res

SUBMITTER: Fuchs F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9968271 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature