How COVID-19 is changing rheumatology clinical practice

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Healthcare Management
• Telemedicine

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruptions to global rheumatology clinical practice.
• This included laboratory closures, hospital restructuring, and a swift shift towards virtual care models.
• Rheumatologists faced challenges in managing patient and personal risks while adopting new remote healthcare systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the experiences of rheumatologists during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To analyze the challenges, advantages, and limitations of virtual rheumatology visits.
• To explore future opportunities for telemedicine in rheumatology.

Main Methods:

• A viewpoint discussion featuring five international rheumatology experts.
• Sharing of personal experiences and observations regarding the pandemic's impact on clinical practice.
• Analysis of the transition to virtual care and its implications.

Main Results:

• The pandemic necessitated rapid adaptation, leading to widespread implementation of telemedicine in rheumatology.
• Virtual visits presented both benefits, such as increased accessibility, and drawbacks, like limitations in physical examination.
• Experts highlighted the transformative effect on healthcare infrastructure and the potential of telemedicine.

Conclusions:

• The COVID-19 pandemic has permanently altered rheumatology practice, integrating telemedicine as a key component.
• Virtual care offers significant potential for rheumatologists, despite inherent limitations.
• Future rheumatology care will likely involve a hybrid model, combining in-person and virtual approaches.