What do rheumatologists do? A pilot audit study

Four consultant rheumatologists from different health districts compared their out-patient and in-patient workloads for 3 months. Data collection proved simple and valuable to each local unit. Inflammatory joint disease (particularly severe rheumatoid arthritis) dominated the workload in all centres...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	British journal of rheumatology Vol. 29; no. 4; p. 295
Main Authors:	Bamji, A N, Dieppe, P A, Haslock, D I, Shipley, M E
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	England 01-08-1990
Subjects:	Ambulatory Care Facilities Follow-Up Studies Humans Medical Audit Pilot Projects Rheumatic Diseases - diagnosis Rheumatic Diseases - epidemiology Rheumatic Diseases - therapy Rheumatology United Kingdom
Online Access:	Get more information
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Summary:	Four consultant rheumatologists from different health districts compared their out-patient and in-patient workloads for 3 months. Data collection proved simple and valuable to each local unit. Inflammatory joint disease (particularly severe rheumatoid arthritis) dominated the workload in all centres. Large differences in the number of new referrals with osteoarthritis, soft tissue diseases and polymyalgia rheumatica were observed. Differences were also apparent in the organization of clinics, provision of follow-up appointments for different diagnostic groups, and usage of steroid injections. Although there may be a variety of explanations for these similarities and differences, the data emphasize the need for further audit of rheumatology practice in the UK.
ISSN:	0263-7103