Work

Evaluating the Impact of Multidisciplinary Rheumatology-Dermatology Clinics in Kuwait: Benefits, Challenges, and Future Directions

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Patients with overlapping rheumatologic and dermatologic conditions often face fragmented care in traditional healthcare systems. Multidisciplinary team (MDT) clinics, which combine rheumatology and dermatology services, present a potential solution to enhance diagnosis, treatment coordination, and patient outcomes. Methods: An anonymous online survey was conducted from May 1 to 31, 2025, among 19 rheumatologists and dermatologists working at four Kuwaiti government hospitals with established MDT clinics. The ten-question survey assessed participants’ perceptions of benefits, challenges faced, and suggested future directions. All analyses were conducted using Microsoft Excel 2019. Results: Seventeen physicians responded (89.5%), of whom 8 were dermatologists (47.1%) and 9 were rheumatologists (52.9%). Most respondents (76.5%) perceived MDT clinics to enhance care coordination. Additionally, 58.8% noted improved diagnostic accuracy, and 70.6% reported improved patient satisfaction. All respondents agreed that MDT clinics reduced the need for referrals and unnecessary testing. Clinicians highlighted other benefits, including faster diagnosis (64.7%), fewer appointments with multiple specialists (82.4%), and improved treatment coordination (58.8%). Key challenges identified were limited clinic time (64.7%) and fewer follow-up opportunities (35.3%). Despite these challenges, 94.1% of clinicians supported expanding these clinics to serve more patients and improve overall care quality. Conclusion: Integrated rheumatology-dermatology MDT clinics in Kuwait demonstrate significant promise in improving diagnosis, treatment coordination, and resource utilization. By addressing operational challenges and expanding this model, patient outcomes could be further improved. This pioneering initiative sets an example for regionally adopting multidisciplinary approaches for managing complex, multisystem diseases, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across specialties. Additional research on patient outcomes and cost-effectiveness is needed to validate and refine this care model.

Source: Journal of Clinical Rheumatology and Immunology

DOI: 10.1142/s2661341725740116

Authors: Ghaydaa Aldabie, Noura Alforaih, Mohammad Khudadah, Abeer Al Bazali, Khuloud Saleh

Institutions: Farwaniya Hospital, Ministry of Health

Language: English

Topic: Healthcare Systems and Technology

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $800