[Rheumatological care in the Rheumazentrum Ruhrgebiet Rheumatism Center-a model for conurbations].

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Clinical Medicine
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• The Ruhrgebiet Rheumatism Center is Germany's largest specialized facility for rheumatic diseases.
• It consistently meets structural quality requirements set by the Association of Rheumatological Acute Clinics (VRA).
• The center actively participates in the KOBRA benchmarking project, earning the VRA quality of care seal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the quality and scope of rheumatological care provided by a large, specialized center.
• To highlight the effectiveness of an early screening program for inflammatory rheumatic conditions.
• To present the center's model of care within a large urban conurbation.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of inpatient and outpatient treatment data from 2018.
• Evaluation of an early screening (triage) program for musculoskeletal complaints established 5 years prior.
• Assessment of adherence to the treat-to-target concept within a 4-week timeframe.
• Review of complex therapy and short-stay patient management.

Main Results:

• Over 7,500 inpatients and nearly 25,000 outpatient contacts were managed in 2018.
• The early screening program successfully identified patients with potentially inflammatory rheumatic conditions, meeting the <4-week treatment deadline in >90% of cases in 2017-2018.
• Inpatient care included rheumatological complex therapy (approx. 33%), pain complex therapy (approx. 10%), geriatric complex therapy (approx. 3%), and short-stay diagnostics/treatment (approx. 65%).

Conclusions:

• The Ruhrgebiet Rheumatism Center demonstrates a successful model for rheumatological care in densely populated areas.
• Its comprehensive approach, including early screening and specialized therapies, ensures high-quality patient outcomes.
• The center's large patient volume facilitates essential training for future rheumatologists and healthcare professionals.