[Data analysis in rheumatology practices : Possibilities, limitations, and results]

Data analyses in rheumatology practices can be used as a feedback system in quality management. Implementation of a representative patient survey enables evaluation of one's own work and can be used for external presentation of the practice. Patient education and the structured use of specialist rheumatology assistants were evaluated by means of a survey. Systematic screening for depressive symptoms was carried out and enables a better understanding of patients and their "unmet needs". An analysis of the diseases and the patients in terms of physical function, disease activity, medication, and concomitant diseases is possible using structured patient documentation in a specialized documentation system. Within the RHADAR network (RheumaDatenRhePort G.b.R.), the proportion of rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with Janus kinase inhibitors was compared between different centers. Patients suitable for clinical trials can be filtered out of a structured documentation system.