Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: The profiles and referral process of patients in rheumatology clinics are critical for effective healthcare services and patient management. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the characteristics of patients referred from other departments and presenting to the rheumatology outpatient clinic for the first time. METHODS: Between 1 August 2020 and 31 August 2022, patients who were referred from other departments presented to the rheumatology outpatient clinic for the first time. RESULTS: One thousand five hundred one patients who presented to the rheumatology outpatient clinic for the first time were identified. Two hundred thirty-eight were excluded from the study due to missing data. In conclusion, data from a total of 1263 patients were included in the study. The distribution of diagnoses among the patients was as follows: 35.7% IRD, 17.7% osteoarthritis, and 11.2% regional pain syndromes. CONCLUSION: The most common reasons for referrals to the rheumatology outpatient clinic were joint complaints. The detection rate of IRD in patients referred to the rheumatology clinic appears to be approximately 3 out of every 10 patients. It is believed that the rational use of the referral system in primary care can help prevent unnecessary healthcare expenses and avoid non-rheumatic patient presentations to rheumatology outpatient clinics.
Source: Musculoskeletal Care
DOI: 10.1002/msc.70124
Authors: Oznur Kutluk, Cahit Kacar
Institutions: Antalya Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi, Akdeniz University
Language: English
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4410524349